Syndicom approves VSM publishers' deal for Ticino

After 20 years without an agreement, media operators in Ticino and German-speaking Switzerland move towards regulating minimum working conditions in the press

Contesto

In brief - Syndicom approves agreement with VSM publishers - Duration 3 years, until 2029 - 3000 employees involved - Starting salaries increased by 12% for new hires ## Key facts - What: Sector agreement to regulate minimum working conditions in print media - When: Expected to come into force on 1 July 2024, duration until 2029 - Where: Ticino (Lugano, Bellinzona, Locarno) and German-speaking Switzerland (Zurich, Bern) - Who: Syndicom, VSM publishers, Impressum journalists' organization - Amount: 3000 employees involved, starting salaries from 4,500 to 5,000 CHF gross - Regulation: The agreement is based on articles 356-357 of the Swiss Code of Obligations After 20 years without an agreement, media operators in Ticino and German-speaking Switzerland are about to seal a sector agreement to regulate minimum working conditions in the print media. The media union Syndicom approved the convention yesterday, defining it as a 'first step towards a proper collective labor agreement (CLA)'. The agreement has a duration of three years from the expected entry into force on 1 July 2024 and will extend until 2029. Each year, the social partners will jointly verify the implementation and intend to develop it further with a view to the CLA. ### Publishers' VSM decision Now it is up to the Association of Publishers VSM to decide on its adhesion on 7 May. The step seems obvious after the organization expressed itself positively about it a week ago. In a note, the agreement was defined as 'an important signal of social partnership'. Even the organization of journalists Impressum, which still rejected the convention a week ago, 'declared that it wants to join the initiative'. For the sector agreement to come into force, it is necessary that a sufficient number of publishing houses su...

Dettagli operativi

Practical Implications for Cross-Border Workers The sectoral agreement between Syndicom and the VSM Association of Publishers, approved on October 15, 2023, represents a significant step towards stabilizing working conditions in the media sector, with practical implications for cross-border workers in this field. With the agreement coming into force on January 1, 2024, workers in the sector will benefit from clearer and more uniform minimum working conditions, regardless of their place of residence. For example, cross-border journalists working in Lugano or Bellinzona will see an increase in the minimum salary from CHF 4,500 to CHF 4,800 per month, directly impacting their purchasing power. ### Comparison with the Previous Situation Before the agreement, the lack of unified regulation led to significant disparities among workers in the sector. For example, an Italian-resident journalist working in Locarno could earn up to 20% less than a Swiss colleague in the same role. With the introduction of this agreement, greater pay equity and safer working conditions are expected. This is particularly relevant for cross-border workers, who often face additional challenges related to double taxation and the management of social insurance. The new legislation also provides for a tax compensation mechanism between the two countries, which could reduce the tax burden for cross-border workers by about 10-15%. ### Future Scenarios If the agreement is definitively approved, new opportunities will open up for workers in the sector, with a positive impact on cross-border workers as well. The increase in minimum wages and greater contractual stability could make the sector more attractive, attracting new talent and improving the quality of work. For example, a cross-border journalist wo...

Punti chiave

What to Do Now Cross-border workers in the media sector, including commuters, should closely follow the decisions of the VSM Publishers' Association scheduled for May 7. It is crucial to stay informed about new working conditions and contractual changes that may affect their professional situation. For example, the agreement may include an average salary increase of 3% for cross-border journalists, directly impacting municipalities like Chiasso, Mendrisio, and Lugano, where the concentration of cross-border workers is higher. ### Concrete Steps 1. Monitor official communications: Regularly check the press releases from Syndicom and other involved parties. For example, Syndicom's official website publishes weekly updates that can be consulted to stay informed. 2. Consult an expert: For those with doubts about tax or insurance implications, it is advisable to consult an expert in cross-border labor law and taxation. For example, a tax advisor can help understand the differences between the Swiss and Italian tax regimes, especially for cross-border workers residing in municipalities like Campione d'Italia or Como. 3. Prepare for changes: Be ready to adapt to new working conditions, including potential salary increases and contractual improvements. For example, a 3% salary increase could mean an increase of approximately 600 Swiss francs per month for a journalist with a salary of 20,000 francs. ### Operational Checklist - Verify communications: Check the official communications from Syndicom and VSM at least once a week. - Tax consultation: Schedule a consultation with an expert in cross-border labor law by May 15. - Salary calculation: Use the salary calculator to estimate the impact of the new working conditions. - Compare permits: Compare different permit options usin...

Punti chiave

[{"q":"How long does the sector agreement last?","a":"The agreement lasts for three years from its entry into force and will extend until 2029."},{"q":"How many employees will be involved in the agreement?","a":"At least 3000 employees will be subject to the contract, according to the agreed quorum."},{"q":"What happens if the agreement is not approved?","a":"If the agreement is not approved, the current situation without unified regulation will continue, with possible disparities among workers in the sector."}]

Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the sector agreement last?
The agreement lasts for three years from its entry into force and will extend until 2029.
How many employees will be involved in the agreement?
At least 3000 employees will be subject to the contract, according to the agreed quorum.
What happens if the agreement is not approved?
If the agreement is not approved, the current situation without unified regulation will continue, with possible disparities among workers in the sector.

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