Benefits for OCST Members: Service Guide

Context

In a nutshell

• Legal assistance on contracts, payroll and social insurance.
• Specific advice from the Border Office on taxation and permits.
• Discounts on insurance, banks and leisure time for members.

Key facts

• What: Trade union services and OCST conventions
• When: Constant validity for subscribers
• Where: Chiasso, Mendrisio, Bioggio, Locarno and Lugano offices
• Who: OCST Syndicate
• Amount: Variable discounts (10%, 15%, 20%, 9%, 4%)

The OCST offers frontier workers operating in the Canton of Ticino a structured support network to address the complexities of the cross-border employment relationship. Trade union membership provides access to targeted legal and juridical assistance, covering crucial issues such as employment disputes, payroll analysis and social insurance management, including AVS, AI, LADI and LPP. Associates can also benefit from specific advice on illness, injury, family allowances, taxation and leases.

The role of the Border Office

A key pillar of the OCST offering is the Border Office, which provides detailed information on cross-border tax law and social security. This service is essential for those who have to juggle work permits, occupational security, unemployment benefits and the complex tax regulations that regulate work between Italy and Switzerland.

Operational details

Life as a cross-border worker requires careful management of resources and insurance coverage. OCST members can take advantage of numerous agreements that positively impact the family budget. Regarding the insurance sector, the union has negotiated significant discounts across various branches. For instance, a 10% discount is available on private civil liability, household contents, building, and motor vehicle insurance. Furthermore, 10% discounts are available on specific supplementary insurance policies, with more details accessible on the Helsana website, along with a 9% discount on certain complementary insurance plans. It is important to inform your insurer of your union membership to correctly activate these benefits.

Banking benefits and daily services

The financial sector is another area where OCST membership brings tangible benefits. Through dedicated partnerships, members can benefit from banking packages that include a current account, savings account, debit card, and e-banking, with five years of fees waived. An offer for one year of free Mastercard Silver is also included, which comprises the linked insurance coverage. A particularly significant advantage for those residing across the border is the absence of fees related to foreign domicile. To access these conditions, it is necessary to open an account online using the OCST promotional code provided by your union representative. Beyond financial and insurance services, the association extends its benefits to leisure and daily consumption. There are discounts at the Museum of Cultures in Lugano (MUSEC), with free admission and discounts at the bookshop, as well as reductions in various commercial and dining establishments, such as Ristorante Elvezia 31 in Lugano or Brico SA, where a 10% discount can be obtained by presenting your union card. Savings also extend to the travel sector, with reductions on flights, hotels, and flight+hotel packages, as well as discounts on gift cards CHF/EUR comparator.

Useful planning tools

To estimate your pension strategy, use the pension planner and the pillar 3 simulator.

Key points

To benefit from these advantages, the first step is to formalize your union membership via the official website www.ocst.ch. The procedure for requesting special offers often requires filling out specific forms, available directly online on the OCST portal. It is essential to always verify the access methods for each individual benefit: for some discounts, such as those at restaurants or shops, simply presenting your OCST card on-site is sufficient, while for banking or insurance offers, the use of promotional codes or prior notification to your consultant is required. Managing an optimal social security or tax situation also involves a personalized analysis offered by partner organizations, which allows you to evaluate your position regarding pension pillars and health coverage tax calculator.

Operational procedure for members

For those who wish to examine their situation in more depth, the union invites you to request forms via the special offer request modules on the website. This tool allows you to centralize requests and receive precise instructions on how to activate each discount. Regarding offers in the automotive sector, for example, there is a 10% discount on labor with a replacement vehicle included within Swiss territory, a 250 CHF voucher on the contractual deductible for insured work, and a 20% discount on the 'Prendi e vai' subscription. Similarly, for the food & beverage sector, such as at Old Wild West in Mendrisio or Pizzarella-Burgerella, the benefits can be used directly by showing your union card. It is advisable to periodically monitor the 'discounts' section of the OCST website, as agreements are subject to updates and new additions that may vary throughout the year. Ensuring you always have your valid membership card with you is the best way not to miss out on daily savings opportunities. For a precise assessment of your net salary and taxes, we recommend using the payslip simulator.