1st May: Ticino unions protest UDC and right-wing initiatives

Di Valerie Linc ·

3,000 people in a parade in Lugano. Criticism of proposals deemed racist and xenophobic. Fonio: working conditions at risk.

Contesto

In brief - 3,000 people in a procession in Lugano - Criticism of UDC and right-wing initiatives - Fonio: working conditions at risk - Cross-border workers at risk: 65,000 workers involved - Current regulations: 2002 Bilateral Agreement ## Key facts - What: Union demonstration - When: May 1, 2026 - Where: Lugano, with participation from Mendrisio, Chiasso, Campione d'Italia - Who: Ticino unions, OCST, Unia, SSI - Number: 3,000 participants On May 1, 2026, the Ticino unions organized a demonstration in Lugano to express their strong rejection of the political initiatives promoted by the right and the UDC. Around 3,000 people participated in the procession, marching through the streets of the cantonal capital with slogans and banners against proposals considered racist and xenophobic. The demonstration saw the active participation of workers from Mendrisio, Chiasso, and Campione d'Italia, areas with a strong presence of cross-border workers. Among the main speakers, Giorgio Gargantini harshly criticized the political initiatives aimed at limiting immigration and restricting the rights of foreign workers. 'A Switzerland with 10 million inhabitants? Racist and xenophobic,' declared Gargantini, emphasizing how these proposals could damage the Ticino economy and the working conditions of cross-border workers. According to 2025 data, cross-border workers represent approximately 20% of the workforce in the Canton of Ticino, with 65,000 workers primarily coming from Italy. ### Working conditions at risk From Pregassona, the secretary of the Ocst, Fonio, added that working conditions are at risk due to the restrictive policies promoted by the UDC. 'The right-wing initiatives endanger the rights of workers and the economic stability of the Canton of Ticino,' Fonio stated, invi...

Dettagli operativi

The May 1st demonstration in Lugano saw the participation of numerous Ticino trade unions, including Ocst, the Union of Employees, and the Swiss Trade Union. The speakers emphasized the importance of defending workers' rights and opposing political initiatives that could harm the local economy. Among the hot topics, the possible introduction of new immigration legislation proposed by the UDC, which could limit the number of work permits for cross-border workers, currently around 70,000 in the Canton of Ticino, of which 50,000 come from Italy. ### Implications for Cross-Border Workers The proposals by the UDC and the right could have a significant impact on cross-border workers in Ticino. In particular, initiatives aimed at limiting immigration and restricting the rights of foreign workers could lead to a reduction in job opportunities and less favorable employment conditions. For example, one proposal involves introducing an annual quota of 10,000 new work permits for cross-border workers, with a maximum cap of 100,000 permits overall. This could severely affect towns like Mendrisio and Chiasso, where cross-border workers represent 30% and 40% of the workforce, respectively. ### Possible Scenarios If these initiatives are approved, cross-border workers could face greater difficulties in finding work and maintaining their rights. Additionally, working conditions could worsen, with an increase in working hours and a reduction in wages. It is crucial that trade unions continue to monitor and defend workers' rights, especially in such a delicate economic and political context. For example, a potential reduction in work permits could lead to an increase in unemployment among cross-border workers, which currently stands at around 5% in the Canton of Ticino. ### Compariso...

Punti chiave

For cross-border workers employed in Ticino, it is crucial to stay updated on the ongoing political initiatives and their potential impacts. Swiss trade unions, such as the Swiss Trade Union Federation (USS) and the Cross-Border Workers Association (ALF), are intensifying their actions to protect workers' rights, particularly against proposals put forward by the Swiss People's Party (UDC) and the political right. These proposals could lead to significant changes in working conditions, such as increased taxes for cross-border workers or reduced work permits. ### What to do 1. Stay Informed: Continuously monitor news and updates on the websites of Ticino trade unions. For example, ALF regularly publishes informative bulletins on regulatory changes. Also, follow the social media pages of the unions to stay updated on demonstrations and initiatives. 2. Participate: Attend demonstrations and initiatives organized by the unions. For example, on May 1st, the unions organized a demonstration in Lugano to protest against the UDC's proposals. Active participation is essential to make the workers' voices heard. 3. Organize: Join the unions and actively participate in the defense of workers' rights. Membership in a union provides access to legal advice and support in case of labor disputes. For example, ALF offers free consulting services for its members. 4. Use useful tools: Use the salary calculator to compare working conditions and salaries. This tool is particularly useful for understanding how potential regulatory changes might affect your net salary. ### Useful Tools - Salary Calculator (nav:calculator): Allows you to compare working conditions and salaries in different Ticino municipalities. For example, a cross-border worker working in Chiasso could compare their sal...

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