Minimum wage in Ticino: here's how it changes from 2027

The Grand Council has approved the compromise on the minimum wage: from 20.50 to 21.75-22.25 francs per hour by 2029

Contesto

The Gran Consiglio's Vote With 68 votes in favor, 4 against, and 2 abstentions, the Gran Consiglio of Ticino approved the compromise on the minimum wage. The report from the Management and Finance Commission, the result of a cross-party agreement among the main political forces, will come into effect progressively from 2027. The increase will be gradual: from the current 20.50 francs per hour to a range between 21.75 and 22.25 francs by 2029. The process will be staggered over three years: in 2027, the minimum will rise to 21 francs, in 2028 to 21.50, and in 2029 it will reach the final level. From 2030, an indexation to inflation is planned. 📊 Concrete example: A full-time worker (42 hours per week) in a company in Lugano currently earns 34,690 francs gross annually. With the increase in 2027, the salary will rise to 35,700 francs, and in 2029 to 37,170 francs. ## Changes in Salary Calculation Another significant change concerns the calculation of the salary: all elements recognized according to AVS criteria will be considered, including some benefits, but special work condition compensations, such as night or holiday shifts, will remain excluded. The compromise represents a counter-proposal to the socialist initiative 'For a Social Minimum Wage,' which demanded a minimum wage of 21.50 francs per hour, anchoring this threshold to supplementary benefits, and eliminating the exemptions provided for Collective Labor Agreements (CLAs). 💡 Operational checklist: - Verify that all benefits are recognized according to AVS criteria. - Exclude compensations for night or holiday shifts. - Ensure that existing contracts comply with the new regulations by 2029. ## The Primacy of the Legal Minimum Wage Regarding Collective Labor Agreements (CLAs), the principle of the prima...

Dettagli operativi

Practical Implications for Workers The gradual increase in the minimum wage will have a significant impact on workers in Ticino, particularly on cross-border commuters who often receive lower wages. With the increase in the minimum wage, workers will benefit from an improvement in purchasing power, especially considering the cost-of-living adjustment scheduled for 2030. This change could also influence the labor market, making Ticino more attractive to Italian workers seeking job opportunities in Switzerland. For example, a cross-border worker in Lugano who currently earns 20 francs per hour will see their salary increase to 21.75 francs per hour by 2029. This increase represents a 7.75% raise, which could translate to an additional annual income of approximately 3,200 francs for a full-time worker. For municipalities like Mendrisio and Chiasso, where the presence of cross-border workers is significant, this increase could improve the quality of life and encourage greater job stability. ## Comparison with the Previous Situation Before this reform, the minimum wage in Ticino was set at 20.50 francs per hour. The planned increase will raise the minimum wage to 21.75-22.25 francs per hour by 2029, an increment that could have a positive impact on the local economy. However, it is important to note that the calculation of the minimum wage will only include certain benefits and not compensation related to special working conditions, such as night or holiday shifts. This could limit the benefit for some workers who currently receive additional compensation for these conditions. For example, a night worker in Bellinzona who currently earns 22 francs per hour with a night shift supplement of 2 francs, might see their base salary increase to 21.75 francs per hour, but witho...

Punti chiave

What to do now Workers and employers must be aware of the new regulations and prepare for the changes scheduled to start on January 1, 2027. For workers, it's important to check if their salary will meet the new thresholds, which will be set at 4,000 Swiss francs for qualified workers and 3,300 francs for unqualified ones. If not, it's advisable to request an adjustment. For employers, it's crucial to review their pay policies and ensure they comply with the new regulations. ### Operational checklist for workers - Check your current salary and compare it with the new thresholds. - If your salary is lower, contact your employer to discuss an adjustment. - Use the salary calculator to get a clear idea of your situation. - Inform yourself about your contractual conditions and the rights provided by the new regulation. ### Operational checklist for employers - Review existing employment contracts and adjust salaries according to the new thresholds. - Inform your employees about the changes and the new contractual conditions. - Ensure you meet the deadlines for implementing the new regulations. - Consult the guides and resources available on the Frontaliere Ticino website for further details. ## Useful tools To calculate the new minimum wage and verify if your salary is adequate, you can use the salary calculator available on the website. Additionally, for more information on regulations and procedures to follow, you can consult the guides and resources available on the Frontaliere Ticino website. ### Concrete examples - Lugano: A qualified worker currently earning 3,800 francs will need to request an adjustment to 4,000 francs. - Bellinzona: An unqualified worker earning 3,200 francs will need to see their salary adjusted to 3,300 francs. - Locarno: An employer with f...

Punti chiave

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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the expected increase in the minimum wage in Ticino?
The expected increase in the minimum wage in Ticino is gradual: from the current 20.50 francs per hour to a range between 21.75 and 22.25 francs by 2029. The path will be staggered over three years: in 2027, the minimum will rise to 21 francs, in 2028 to 21.50, and in 2029 it will reach the final level.
What changes in the calculation of the minimum wage?
In the calculation of the minimum wage, all elements recognized according to AVS criteria will be considered, including some benefits, but compensation linked to special working conditions, such as night or holiday shifts, will remain excluded.
What are the exceptions for Collective Labor Agreements (CLAs)?
The exceptions for Collective Labor Agreements (CLAs) are temporary and must be justified by concrete risks to employment. They must be approved by the tripartite commission with a two-thirds majority.

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