Self-employed and cross-border workers remain low

Context

In brief

• The number of notified companies in Ticino remains stable at low levels
• AIC warns: do not let your guard down
• 118 infringements found in 2025

Key facts

• What: Number of notified companies
• When: 2025
• Where: Ticino
• Who: Interprofessional Control Association (AIC)
• Amount: 118 infringements found

The number of notified companies in Ticino remains stable at low levels, as shown in the 2025 report of the Interprofessional Control Association (AIC). Presented in Bellinzona, the report outlines a situation where Switzerland and Ticino are no longer an attractive destination for truck drivers and cross-border workers in the construction industry. The number of notified companies is in line with previous years, stable at a level halved compared to 10 years ago.

For AIC, however, it is not the time to let your guard down. The conference was also an opportunity to take a stance on the initiative of «No to a Switzerland of 10 million». The president of AIC, Renzo Ambrosetti, explains that in Ticino there are more job opportunities across the border and that the general situation is no longer as flourishing as it once was. The geopolitical situation also plays a role, influencing investment choices.

In contrast, short-term hirings are on the rise, thanks to employment agencies. AIC, which monitors compliance with Swiss labor regulations by foreign construction and craft companies, found 118 infringements of the notification procedure in 2025. The Office for Labor Market Surveillance sanctioned 77 companies, the Labor Inspectorate Office sanctioned 214, and the cantonal parity commissions sanctioned 130.

Dramatic situations

Also increasingly frequent are cases of entrepreneurs offering construction work to vulnerable people, only to carry it out poorly or incompletely. 'Dramatic situations for those who have to endure them,' explains secretary Nicola Bagnovini, illustrating the story of an 86-year-old woman.

The initiative on 10 million

The presentation of the document was also an opportunity for AIC to take a position on current political issues. On the one hand, welcoming the maintenance of accompanying measures in the Bilateral III agreements with the EU. On the other hand, evoking the possibility that this same package - and the previous ones - could be put at risk by the potential entry into force of the initiative 'No to a Switzerland of 10 million', defined as 'disastrous'. According to Renzo Ambrosetti, the risk is the 'disappearance of AIC: 'If free movement of persons falls, all related accompanying measures will also fall. We would no longer be able to conduct labor market control as we do today, as the relevant legal basis linked to international agreements would fall,' explains Ambrosetti.

Furthermore, 'cross-border workers will still be able to enter as before. In fact, they will increase, because those who today are residents in Switzerland would return to live abroad to reunite with their families. To the delight of the tales told: traffic, pollution, and problems will increase,' concludes Ambrosetti.

Operational details

Practical Implications

The stability in the number of companies notified in Ticino has several practical implications for workers and businesses. Firstly, the current situation reflects a greater supply of jobs across the border, attracting both employees and self-employed individuals. This phenomenon is also influenced by the geopolitical situation, which conditions investment choices.

Short-term Hiring

An interesting aspect is the increase in short-term hiring, which goes through employment agencies. This trend could indicate greater flexibility in the labor market, but also a possible precariousness of working conditions. It is important to monitor this trend to better understand the dynamics of the labor market in Ticino.

Controls and Sanctions

The AIC found 118 violations of the notification procedure in 2025, with sanctions distributed among various offices. This demonstrates the importance of maintaining high vigilance on the respect of Swiss labor laws by foreign companies. The sanctions are a clear signal that controls are active and that violations will not be tolerated.

Exploitation Situations

Situations of exploitation of vulnerable people, such as that experienced by an 86-year-old woman, highlight the need for even stricter controls. It is fundamental to protect vulnerable workers and ensure that regulations are respected in every circumstance. The AIC must continue to monitor these illegal practices and take appropriate measures.

The Initiative on 10 Million

The initiative 'No to a Switzerland of 10 million' could have significant consequences for the labor market. The free movement of persons is a pillar of the bilateral agreements with the EU, and its possible fall would put the accompanying measures at risk. This could compromise the control of the labor market and have negative repercussions on cross-border workers and businesses.

Future Scenarios

If the initiative were to pass, it is likely that the number of cross-border workers would increase, with consequences for traffic and pollution. It is important to consider these scenarios to prepare for possible changes and mitigate negative impacts. The AIC must continue to monitor the situation and adapt to new challenges that may arise.

Useful planning tools

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Key points

Concrete actions

For workers and businesses, it is essential to know the procedures and requirements to operate in Ticino. Here are some steps to follow:

1. Company notification: Ensure that your company is correctly notified to operate in Switzerland. This is a crucial step to avoid penalties. 2. Respect regulations: Ensure compliance with Swiss labor regulations, especially for foreign companies. This includes paying AVS and LPP contributions, respecting working conditions, and workplace safety. 3. Monitoring penalties: Keep track of penalties and infractions found to avoid making similar mistakes. 4. Protection of vulnerable workers: Implement measures to protect vulnerable workers and ensure they are not exploited. 5. Preparation for possible changes: Monitor the evolution of the initiative on 10 million and prepare for any changes in regulations.

Useful tools

To facilitate these procedures, you can use various tools available on the Frontaliere Ticino website. For example, the salary calculator can help determine net income and withholding taxes. Additionally, the municipality map can provide useful information on the specific requirements of each municipality.

Conclusion

The current situation requires attention and vigilance. It is important that workers and businesses are aware of the regulations and procedures to follow. By using the right tools and following the guidelines, it is possible to operate safely and in compliance with Swiss laws. For more information, consult the Frontaliere Ticino website and stay updated on the latest news.

Source: ticinonews.ch