Swiss banks: ASIB calls for 2.5% wage increases (cross-border guide)

Context

In brief

• SBEA demands a 2.5% increase in the total salary mass in the banking sector.
• An increase of at least 2,000 francs requested for salaries up to 120,000 francs.
• Objective: protect purchasing power and share corporate profits.
• Transparency required regarding the criteria for distributing salary increases.

Key facts

• What: Request for salary adjustments in the Swiss banking sector.
• When: Ahead of the 2026/2027 salary negotiations.
• Where: Credit institutions operating in Switzerland.
• Who: Swiss Bank Employees Association (SBEA).
• Amount: Increase of 2,000 francs per year for incomes up to 120,000 francs.

The Swiss Bank Employees Association (SBEA) has formalized its demands for the upcoming salary negotiations, aiming for a 2.5% increase in the total payroll. The claim, decided by the executive committee following discussions with staff representatives, aims to ensure that employees directly participate in the excellent economic results achieved by credit institutions. In addition to the overall percentage, the union specified a minimum threshold of 2,000 additional francs per year for all employees with an annual salary of up to 120,000 francs, calculated on a full-time basis. The SBEA clarified that this request is consistent with the adjustment of minimum wages provided for by the sector's collective labor agreement, which will rise by 2,000 francs starting from January 1, 2027.

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Operational details

The economic justification put forward by ASIB to support its claims is based on three main pillars that directly affect the daily lives of workers. The first critical point is the maintenance of purchasing power. Despite inflation, the association highlights how the constant increase in health insurance premiums represents a burden not included in the official cost-of-living index, significantly eroding the disposable income of families. Forecasts for 2026 suggest inflation slightly higher than the previous year, with uncertainties linked to the geopolitical situation and the cost of oil that could further influence consumer prices. For those wishing to delve into the impact of fixed costs on the family budget, the cost of living in Switzerland remains an essential parameter to monitor.

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Key points

For employees in the banking sector wishing to evaluate their contractual position, it is essential to conduct a thorough review of their remuneration. Although ASIB requests are made at a sector level, negotiations often take place at the individual company level. It is advisable to consult your bank's staff representatives to understand the scope for maneuver and whether the institution has already initiated a review of salary bands in response to union guidelines. The transparency requested by the ASIB should be viewed as a protective tool: every employee has the right to request clarification on performance evaluation criteria and the parameters that determine salary increases. In a time of technological transformation, where digitalization is redefining professional roles, knowledge of compensation dynamics becomes a strength in managing one's career.

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