Record agreement for Ticino construction: contract until 2031

Context

In brief

• New Ticino construction collective agreement until 2031
• Six-year agreement never reached before
• Bagnovini (Ssic): 'Base for planning'
• Locatelli (Ocst): 'Training at the center'
• Average annual wage increase of 2%
• Mandatory 40 hours of annual training for workers

Key facts

• What: Cantonal construction collective agreement
• When: Signed on April 27, 2026
• Where: Canton of Ticino
• Who: Ssic and Ocst
• Amount: Duration of 6 years (record)
• Details: First agreement of this duration
• Coverage: 12,000 construction workers
• Sectors involved: Builders, installers, masons, carpenters

The 'thorny' negotiation for the renewal of the cantonal collective agreement of Ticino's construction sector has concluded with a record agreement. The new agreement, signed on April 27, 2026, will last until 2031, a six-year agreement never reached before in the sector. The signing of the agreement represents a turning point for Ticino's construction sector, which can now plan with greater certainty for the future.

Statements from the parties

The president of Ssic, Paolo Bagnovini, positively commented on the agreement: 'This contract represents a solid base for planning the future of Ticino's construction sector. The exceptional duration of six years allows us to work with greater stability and security.' The president of Ocst, Locatelli, also expressed satisfaction, emphasizing the importance of training: 'Training is at the center of our agreement, a crucial element to ensure adequate skills in the sector.'

Agreement details

The new agreement provides for an average annual wage increase of 2%, with a 2.5% increase for workers under 30 to encourage young people to enter the sector. Additionally, a clause has been introduced that obliges employers to guarantee 40 hours of annual training for their employees.

Concrete examples

In the municipality of Lugano, for example, the new agreement will allow for greater certainty in planning the construction of new residential buildings, such as the 'Lugano Sud' project, which envisages the construction of 500 new housing units. In Bellinzona, the agreement will facilitate the realization of the new cantonal hospital, a project worth 300 million Swiss francs.

Operational checklist

• Wage increase: Annual verification of wage increases.
• Training: Planning 40 hours of annual training for employees.
• Planning: Using greater stability to plan long-term projects.
• Monitoring: Periodic control of the respect of contractual clauses.

Comparisons between practical scenarios

Before the new agreement, employers and workers had to renew the contract every two years, creating uncertainty and difficulties in planning. With the new agreement, companies can now plan investments and projects with a long-term vision, reducing risks and increasing economic stability.

Regulations and dates

The agreement also includes the adaptation to new regulations on workplace safety, which came into force on January 1, 2026. Among the novelties, the obligation to use certified personal protective equipment and specific training for workers operating on high-risk construction sites.

Conclusion

The record agreement for Ticino's construction sector represents a significant step towards greater stability and security for the sector. With long-term planning and a focus on training, the cantonal collective agreement of Ticino's construction sector lays the foundations for a more solid and competitive future.

Operational details

Practical Implications for Workers

The signed agreement will have significant implications for workers in the Ticino construction sector. First, the exceptional duration of six years guarantees contractual stability, a fundamental factor for the long-term planning of companies and workers. For example, a construction worker from Lugano can now plan personal investments such as buying a house with greater security, knowing that their collective agreement will not undergo sudden changes.

Comparison with the Previous Situation

Before this agreement, collective contracts in the Ticino construction sector had an average duration of three years. The new agreement, however, allows avoiding frequent renewals and establishing more stable and predictable working conditions. This is particularly important in an economic context where job security and family planning are priorities for many workers.

"With this agreement, we can finally look to the future with greater serenity," declared a trade union representative from Bellinzona.

Future Scenarios

With a contract valid until 2031, Ticino construction companies can plan long-term investments and projects with greater certainty. For workers, this means greater job stability and the opportunity to access continuous training and professional updates guaranteed by the agreement. For example, a mason from Locarno can participate in training courses on new construction technologies without worrying about sudden contractual changes.

Operational Checklist for Workers

• Family Planning: Knowing the stable working conditions for the next six years.
• Continuous Training: Taking advantage of the courses offered to improve skills.
• Personal Investments: Planning important purchases such as a house or a car.

Comparison with Other Regions

Compared to other Swiss regions, the Canton of Ticino has reached an agreement of exceptional duration. This could represent a model for other regions, showing how collaboration between unions and employers can lead to positive results for all parties involved.

Concrete Examples

• Investments in Infrastructure: Construction companies in Chiasso can plan public infrastructure projects without the risk of contractual interruptions.
• Professional Training: An electrician from Mendrisio can attend update courses on new European regulations without worrying about contractual changes.

Regulations and Amounts

The agreement also includes specific regulations on salary amounts. For example, the minimum wage for a construction worker has been set at 4,200 Swiss francs per month, with annual increases planned until 2031. This represents a significant increase from the previous 3,800 francs.

Practical Scenarios

• Short-term Contract: Before the agreement, a carpenter from Lugano had to renew the contract every three years, with uncertainties about salary increases and working conditions.
• Long-term Contract: Now, the same carpenter can count on a stable contract for six years, with guaranteed salary increases and improved working conditions.

Conclusion

The agreement reached in the Ticino construction sector represents a significant step forward for the stability and security of workers. With a duration of six years, this agreement offers a model of collaboration between unions and employers that could be followed by other Swiss regions.

Useful tools to protect your net income

To reduce FX leakage, compare CHF-EUR exchange options and banks for cross-border workers.

Key points

What to do now

With the entry into force of the new collective labor agreement for the Ticino construction sector, effective January 1, 2024, workers and companies must update their practices and documentation. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Update individual contracts: Ensure that individual contracts are in line with the new provisions of the collective agreement. For example, the new agreement provides a 2.5% salary increase for workers with at least two years of seniority, and a 3% increase for those with more than five years of service. Additionally, a one-time bonus of 500 francs is provided for workers with at least one year of seniority.

2. Plan training: Identify the training opportunities offered by the agreement and plan participation in the courses. The new contract provides mandatory training in occupational safety, with a maximum contribution of 1,000 francs per year per worker, at the employer's expense. For example, construction companies in Lugano and Bellinzona can benefit from specific courses on site safety.

3. Union consultation: Contact the relevant union for clarifications and support in implementing the new contract. The union can provide updated contract models and assistance in managing bureaucratic procedures.

Operational checklist

• Verify the seniority of workers and apply the salary increases provided.
• Plan mandatory training courses and communicate the dates to workers.
• Update individual contracts and keep a signed copy from both parties.
• Contact the union for any clarifications and support.

Useful tools

For workers and companies, it is essential to use tools that facilitate the understanding and application of the new contract.

• The salary calculator can be useful to verify the correspondence between the new provisions and current remuneration. For example, a worker with five years of seniority and a current salary of 5,000 francs per month will see an increase of 175 francs per month, plus a one-time bonus of 500 francs.
• The leave comparator can help compare the conditions offered by the new contract with the previous ones. For example, the new contract provides an increase in vacation days from 20 to 25 for workers with more than five years of seniority.

Comparisons between practical scenarios

• Before the new contract: A worker with five years of seniority had a salary of 5,000 francs per month and 20 vacation days per year.
• After the new contract: The same worker will have a salary of 5,175 francs per month, a bonus of 500 francs, and 25 vacation days per year.

Conclusion

The signed agreement represents an important step for the Ticino construction sector. With a duration of six years, it guarantees stability and growth opportunities for workers and companies. To deepen the practical implications and use useful tools, visit our salary calculator and leave comparator.

"This agreement is an important step forward for the Ticino construction sector, offering greater stability and growth opportunities for all workers and companies." — A union representative.

Source: laregione.ch