Canicola e lavoro: the Council of State initiates dialogue with trade unions (cross-border guide)

Context

In a nutshell

• Meeting in Bellinzona with UNIA, OCST, USS and VPOD
• Focus on working conditions during heatwaves
• Start of regular meetings through the GOSA
• Involvement of the Ticino Deputation in the Federal Chambers

Key facts

• What: Meeting of the Council of State with trade unions on dogfighting and work
• When: today (date not specified)
• Where: Bellinzona
• Who: President Marina Carobbio Guscetti, Directors Christian Vitta, Raffaele De Rosa, trade unions UNIA, OCST, USS, VPOD
• Amount: not yet specified

A delegation of the Council of State met in Bellinzona to discuss with the trade union representatives of UNIA, OCST, USS and VPOD. The meeting, held "today", aimed to deepen the conditions of workers during periods of heatwaves and heatwaves, issues that also concern the cantonal government. The delegation, composed of President Marina Carobbio Guscetti and Councillors Christian Vitta and Raffaele De Rosa, stressed that, although many measures can be adopted at the cantonal level, the legal framework of reference remains predominantly of federal competence.

For this reason, the State Council intends to involve the Ticino Deputation in the Federal Chambers, in order to analyse the relevant federal laws and evaluate possible broader interventions. In parallel, it was decided to start a series of regular meetings with partners

Operational details

In a nutshell

• The dialogue is part of a context of shared competences between the canton and the federal state
• The GOSA becomes the main channel for communication between institutions and trade unions
• Future measures must comply with the federal legal framework already in force

Key facts

• What: Start of a structured dialogue on working conditions in a doghouse
• When: After today's meeting in Bellinzona
• Where: Canton Ticino, with reference to the Federal Chambers
• Who: Council of State, GOSA, Ticino Deputation, UNIA trade unions, OCST, USS, VPOD
• Amount: not yet specified

The initiative of the State Council is part of a broader panorama of policies on work and employee health, issues that intersect the cost of living and the health of workers. Since the legal framework is predominantly federal, any possible changes will have to go through the Federal Parliament and, therefore, through the Federal Council. This scenario makes crucial the role of the Ticino Provincial Council, which will act as an intermediary between the cantonal and federal authorities.

Practical 📊 analysis

• Federal jurisdiction: Laws governing occupational safety, mandatory breaks, and anti-heat measures are established at the federal level. Therefore, although the canton may promote additional initiatives, these must be compatible with national legislation.
• Role of the GOSA: the Health and Environment Task Force, already active on

Recommended tools

For an updated estimate, use the net salary calculator and the CHF-EUR exchange comparator.

Key points

In brief

• Follow GOSA communications for updates on anti‑heat measures
• Contact your union (UNIA, OCST, USS, VPOD) for operational information
• Use the salary calculator to assess any wage variations linked to breaks or flexible hours

Key facts

• What: Recommended procedure for workers
• When: Immediately, pending new directives
• Where: Canton Ticino, with reference to the federal level
• Who: Workers, unions, GOSA, Ticino Deputation
• Amount: not yet specified

For employees working in environments exposed to high temperatures, the first step is to monitor official GOSA communications. The group will publish periodic notices on institutional channels and may send dedicated newsletters to companies and unions. It is advisable to subscribe to these communications via the cantonal portal or ask your union representative to forward the information.

Step‑by‑step for workers

1. Subscribe to GOSA communications – visit the Canton Ticino website and select the ‘Health and environment’ section. 2. Contact your union – UNIA, OCST, USS or VPOD have dedicated desks; request advice on breaks, hydration and schedules. 3. Check current regulations – review federal labour safety and health laws; GOSA will provide useful links. 4. Use the salary calculator – salary calculator to understand the impact of possible breaks or reduced hours on your net monthly pay. 5. Follow the Deputation’s decisions – updates from the federal chambers will be disseminated by GOSA; keep an eye on news about cost of living.

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