Unions say early retirement is main priority

The Swiss Trade Union Federation says the introduction of the right to take early retirement is an urgent social need.

It argues a flexible retirement age in the state pension scheme should be a priority for the new parliament.

At the annual news conference in Bern on Friday, federation leaders said provisions in occupational pension schemes were for the most part unfair and too much of a burden on employees.

The federation noted that as the federal pension scheme turned 60, parliament still had to discuss the unions’ initiative for a flexible retirement system from age 62.

However, it said it remained open to the idea of parliament coming forward with a counter-proposal.

The union umbrella organisation also came out against any further liberalisation moves at state-owned Swiss Post.

It argued that a study commissioned by the Swiss communications ministry had clearly shown that complete liberalisation would constitute a threat to the universal service.