NO to UDC initiative threatening EU bilateral deals

Di Valerie Linc ·

On June 14, Swiss voters will decide on the UDC initiative that could isolate Switzerland and impact cross-border workers' rights

Contesto

In brief - On June 14, vote on the UDC initiative against bilateral agreements with the EU - The initiative aims to block immigration but would affect the rights of cross-border workers - The Forum diritti senza confini recommends voting NO ## Key facts - What: UDC popular initiative "NO to a Switzerland with more than 10 million inhabitants" - When: Vote on June 14, 2026 - Where: Switzerland - Who: UDC and Forum diritti senza confini - Amount: Not specified On June 14, the Swiss population will be called to vote on the UDC popular initiative "NO to a Switzerland with more than 10 million inhabitants." If approved, this initiative could lead to the isolation of the country and compromise relations with the European Union. This is the tenth time in a quarter of a century that the UDC has attempted to sabotage relations between Switzerland and the EU, using both popular initiatives and referendums. The initiative is based on the alleged fight against the growth in the number of resident foreigners. However, the increase in the foreign population in Switzerland, both before and after the entry into force of the bilateral agreements with the EU, is a direct consequence of the economic system also supported by the UDC. This system is based on the continuous growth of consumption, production, exchange volumes, and GDP, which also requires an increase in workers and consumers. ### Implications for cross-border workers Approval of the initiative would imply a historic step backward for the rights of foreigners in Switzerland. In particular, it would call into question the system of B permits granted to workers from the European Union, family reunifications, and the right of asylum in its concrete bases. The Forum diritti senza confini signals that the UDC initiative dream...

Dettagli operativi

Analysis of the Consequences The approval of the UDC initiative could have significant consequences for cross-border workers in Switzerland, particularly in Ticino, where 20% of the active population consists of cross-border workers. The B permits, which allow EU workers to reside and work in Switzerland, could be called into question. This could lead to greater uncertainty for cross-border workers, who may see their residence and work rights compromised. For example, in 2022, approximately 67,000 cross-border workers commuted to Switzerland from Ticino, with an estimated economic impact of over 2.3 billion Swiss francs. A revision of the B permits could force many of these workers to leave the country, with negative consequences for the local economy. Furthermore, the initiative could influence family reunifications, making it more difficult for foreign workers to bring their families to Switzerland. Currently, cross-border workers can apply for family reunification after a residence period of at least one year, with a minimum income of 3,788 Swiss francs per month. If the initiative is approved, these conditions could become more stringent, significantly impacting the quality of life for cross-border workers and their ability to settle and integrate into the country. ### Comparison with the Current Situation Currently, cross-border workers benefit from bilateral agreements that guarantee them specific rights and protections. These agreements are the result of years of negotiations between Switzerland and the EU and represent a delicate balance between the needs of the Swiss labor market and the rights of foreign workers. For example, cross-border workers in Ticino can benefit from working conditions and salaries comparable to those of Swiss workers. Additionally...

Punti chiave

What to do now In light of the June 14th vote on the SVP initiative, it is crucial that Ticino cross-border workers are well informed and actively participate in the debate. The initiative proposes the abolition of bilateral agreements with the EU, which could have significant consequences on the working and personal lives of cross-border workers. For example, currently around 65,000 cross-border workers work in Ticino, significantly contributing to the local economy. A potential exit from the bilateral agreements could lead to restrictions on work permits and an increase in administrative costs. ### Voting procedure To exercise their voting rights, cross-border workers must follow a well-defined procedure: 1. Registration in the electoral lists: Cross-border workers must ensure they are registered in the electoral lists of their municipality of residence. For example, in Lugano, it is possible to contact the municipal electoral office or visit the municipality's website. 2. Receiving the ballot papers: Once registered, cross-border workers will receive the ballot papers at home or can vote at the polling stations. In Bellinzona, the polling stations are open from Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. 3. Important deadlines: It is essential to respect the deadlines for registration and voting. For example, in Locarno, the deadline for registration in the electoral lists is set for June 4, 2024. ### Useful tools For further information and to participate in the debate, cross-border workers can visit the website of the Forum diritti senza confini. Additionally, they can use the salary calculator to better understand the economic implications of the SVP initiative. For example, the calculator can show how a potential increase in taxes could reduce the net income...

Punti chiave

[{"q":"What would happen to the B permits if the UDC initiative were approved?","a":"If the UDC initiative were approved, B permits could be called into question, with negative consequences for EU workers residing and working in Switzerland. This could lead to greater uncertainty and instability for cross-border commuters."},{"q":"How can I vote if I am a cross-border worker?","a":"To vote, you must be registered on the electoral lists of your municipality of residence. You can do this by contacting the electoral office of the municipality or visiting the municipality's website. Once registered, you will receive the ballot papers at home or you can vote at the polling stations."},{"q":"What are the economic implications of the UDC initiative?","a":"The approval of the UDC initiative could lead to the isolation of Switzerland, with negative consequences for trade and the ability to recruit qualified workers from the EU. This could have a significant impact on the Swiss economy and the lives of cross-border workers."}]

Frequently Asked Questions
What would happen to the B permits if the UDC initiative were approved?
If the UDC initiative were approved, B permits could be called into question, with negative consequences for EU workers residing and working in Switzerland. This could lead to greater uncertainty and instability for cross-border commuters.
How can I vote if I am a cross-border worker?
To vote, you must be registered on the electoral lists of your municipality of residence. You can do this by contacting the electoral office of the municipality or visiting the municipality's website. Once registered, you will receive the ballot papers at home or you can vote at the polling stations.
What are the economic implications of the UDC initiative?
The approval of the UDC initiative could lead to the isolation of Switzerland, with negative consequences for trade and the ability to recruit qualified workers from the EU. This could have a significant impact on the Swiss economy and the lives of cross-border workers.

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