Official resultsExternal link from Sunday’s vote show 58.2% of voters coming out in favour of the initiative by trade union groups and left-wing parties.
The cantonal government as well as the right-wing and centre-right had recommended rejection of the proposal.
Supporters of the minimum wage say the aim is to reduce the number of working poor who can’t afford the prices in the Geneva region known for its high cost of living.
Opponents argue salary levels have to be negotiated between employers and employees without state intervention.
Geneva is only the third of Switzerland’s 26 cantons to introduce a minimum wage. At the beginning of next year, canton Ticino will also join the group.
Another vote on the issue is planned in canton Basel City next year.
Switzerland commits CHF50 million to combat rural poverty worldwide
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The Federal Council approved a contribution of CHF49.5 million ($54.1 million) for the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).
Arrests made in raid against Turkish criminal organisation
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A cross-border raid against a Turkish criminal organisation was conducted, including property searches in cantons Aargau and Zurich.
Up to 4,000 Swiss army soldiers to protect Ukraine peace conference
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The Federal Council has authorised deployment of army personnel for the Ukraine peace conference on the Bürgenstock in June.
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The business association, Swissmem, reports that there are increasing signs that the bottom of the downturn will be reached this year.
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Who’s at risk of poverty in Switzerland?
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Over a million Swiss residents were struggling financially before coronavirus. The pandemic threatens to push many of them into precarious situations.
Over two million Swiss are covered by collective labour contracts
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According to the office, 2,066,550 workers (out of a total working population of 4.7 million) are employed under the terms and conditions of 600 different collective labour agreements. Almost half of all employees work in industries or sectors offering collective labour agreements with binding regulations. The statistics refer to the situation in March 2016. +…
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If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.