Across most of Switzerland there is no minimum wage. However, the cantons of Neuchâtel (CHF 20 per hour), Geneva (CHF 23 per hour), Jura, Ticino and Basel-City have them. This week, a federal parliamentary commission voted in favour of challenging the applicability of these minimum wages, reported RTS.
If a national negotiation between employers and unions reaches a national deal on wages that is lower than the cantonal minimum it creates a disconnect.
A federal parliamentary motion, endorsed this week by a commission, aims to give pay rates reached in national wage agreements precedence over cantonal minimum wages.
The commission voted 11 to 10 in favour of the plan this week, arguing that current situation regarding cantonal minimum salaries creates uncertainty when unions and employers negotiate salary deals. Rules that gave negotiated pay deals priority over minimum wages would solve the issue, they argue.
The governments of Geneva and Neuchâtel reject the idea and described it as a violation of the will of voters – minimum wages were endorsed in these cantons by a majority of voters in cantonal referenda.
The Federal Council also rejects the idea, which will now be discussed in Switzerland’s federal parliament.
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Christian Schenk says
exactly the politicicans who shout loudly in favour of federalism want to centralize where wages are concernded.
Paul Dodd says
Employers just want to pay less, not surprised. In fact there is no problem as wages under the statutory minimum wage are illegal. Any national agreement can have exceptions for cantons with higher minimum wages.
Christian Schenk says
thank you for your comment Paul