Regazzi re-elected at USAM: bureaucracy and UDC initiative

Context

In brief

• Regazzi reelected USAM president
• Unbearable bureaucracy for SMEs
• UDC initiative threatens economy

Key facts

• What: Fabio Regazzi reelection
• When: 22 minutes ago
• Where: Gewerbekammer, Ticino
• Who: USAM, Fabio Regazzi
• Amount: Not yet specified

Fabio Regazzi was unanimously reelected as president of the Swiss Union of Arts and Crafts (USAM). During his speech at the Gewerbekammer, the parliamentary body of the organization, he delivered a clear message: bureaucracy has become unsustainable, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

"We have many challenges in this particular period, but a topic that was, is, and will remain a priority on our agenda is the fight against bureaucracy," Regazzi told TicinoNews. "The situation is worsening and becoming increasingly unsustainable, especially for SMEs that are not structured like multinational corporations."

Impact on Canton Ticino

Ticino's SMEs, which represent a significant part of the local economy, are particularly vulnerable to bureaucracy. Regazzi emphasized that these companies do not have the same resources as large multinationals to cope with administrative complexity.

"It is a fundamental issue to try, if not to reverse the trend, at least to slow down its evolution," he added. Excessive bureaucracy can hinder the growth of SMEs and limit their ability to compete in the market.

UDC Initiative and Labor

Another crucial topic addressed by Regazzi is the UDC initiative "No to a Switzerland of 10 million," which could have a significant impact on the Swiss economy and, consequently, on Ticino's cross-border workers. "This initiative weighs heavily on the Swiss economy," declared Regazzi.

The initiative, which aims to limit immigration, could exacerbate the shortage of skilled and unskilled labor in Switzerland. Regazzi emphasized that Switzerland, like many Western countries, has a demographic pyramid that penalizes the economy, with more people retiring than entering the workforce.

"The only possibility, in certain cases, in many cases, is to make up for these shortages with foreign labor," he stated. Vocational training for young people and the integration of women into the workforce are two areas on which USAM is working to mitigate the impact of the labor shortage.

Commercial Conflicts and Energy Crisis

Regazzi also spoke about international challenges, such as new trade conflicts, uncertainties in the energy and raw materials market. "Since 2020, coincidentally since I became president, we have gone from one crisis to another, from COVID to the energy crisis, to the tariff crisis, now to these conflicts that are creating extremely difficult situations to manage at the geopolitical level," he declared.

According to Regazzi, Swiss companies have demonstrated great resilience in managing these situations. However, each company must find its own way to address these challenges, as each reality is affected differently.

Balance and Prospects

Regazzi drew a positive balance of his presidency, which began in 2020. "Being president of an association of this importance at the Swiss level is certainly a difficult, complex challenge, especially for a Ticinese," he stated. "I think I have also found many satisfactions and have succeeded in bringing greater sensitivity to certain issues concerning our canton."

The election by acclamation is a comforting signal for Regazzi to continue for another two years in this role. However, he recognized that it would be important to consult the members to understand if they think the same way.

Operational details

Impact on the lives of cross-border workers

The UDC initiative 'No to a Switzerland of 10 million' could have a significant impact on cross-border workers who work in Switzerland and reside in Italy. The lack of foreign labor could lead to increased competition for jobs, making it more difficult for cross-border workers to find and maintain employment in Switzerland.

Procedures and documents

Cross-border workers who wish to work in Switzerland must follow a series of procedures and obtain the necessary documents. These include the work permit, the residence permit, and, in some cases, the permit of stay. It is important that cross-border workers are up-to-date on the regulations and procedures to avoid problems.

Comparison with the previous situation

Before the UDC initiative, cross-border workers had more opportunities to find work in Switzerland due to the availability of foreign labor. However, with the initiative that could limit immigration, the situation could change significantly. Cross-border workers should be prepared for possible changes in regulations and procedures to obtain and maintain their work and residence permits.

Future scenarios

If the UDC initiative passes, cross-border workers could face greater competition for jobs and may have to deal with more complex procedures to obtain the necessary permits. It is important that cross-border workers are aware of these possible challenges and prepare accordingly.

Training and integration of women

USAM is working to improve the professional training of young people and the integration of women into the workforce. These efforts could help mitigate the impact of the labor shortage and offer more opportunities to cross-border workers.

Useful resources

Cross-border workers can find useful information and resources to address the challenges of cross-border work on the Frontaliere Ticino website. The site offers guides, tools, and updates on regulations and procedures for working in Switzerland.

Recommended tools

For an updated estimate, use the net salary calculator and the CHF-EUR exchange comparator.

Key points

What cross-border workers should do

Cross-border workers who work in Switzerland and live in Italy should closely monitor the evolution of the UDC initiative and prepare for possible changes in regulations and procedures for obtaining and maintaining work and residence permits.

Step-by-step to obtain permits

1. Inform yourself about regulations: Cross-border workers should inform themselves about current and future regulations regarding cross-border work. This can be done through the SECO website or by consulting a lawyer specializing in labor law. 2. Obtain work permit: Cross-border workers must obtain a work permit from the canton where they intend to work. This can be done through the canton's website or by consulting the local employment office. 3. Obtain residence permit: Cross-border workers must obtain a residence permit from the municipality where they intend to reside. This can be done through the municipality's website or by consulting the local residence office. 4. Obtain permit of residence: Cross-border workers must obtain a permit of residence from the municipality where they intend to reside. This can be done through the municipality's website or by consulting the local residence office. 5. Maintain permits: Cross-border workers must maintain their work, residence, and permit of residence by following the regulations and procedures established by the Swiss authorities.

Useful tools

Cross-border workers can use tools such as the salary calculator to compare salaries in Switzerland and Italy and the permit comparator to compare work and residence permits in Switzerland and Italy.

Conclusion

Cross-border workers who work in Switzerland and live in Italy should be aware of the challenges and opportunities of cross-border work. Closely monitoring the evolution of the UDC initiative and preparing for possible changes in regulations and procedures for obtaining and maintaining work and residence permits is fundamental. Using tools such as the salary calculator and the permit comparator can help cross-border workers make informed decisions and plan their professional future.

Source: ticinonews.ch