Referendum against minimum wages launched (cross-border guide)

Di Valerie Linc · Published on

Trade unions and political parties launch referendum against the decision of the Federal Assembly to give priority to collective bargaining agreements over cantonal minimum wages

Contesto

In brief - A committee consisting of trade unions and political parties has launched a referendum against the decision of the Federal Assembly. - The decision provides for collective labour agreements (CEAs) to prevail over cantonal minimum wages. - The committee calls the measure "an attack on women's wages". ## Key facts - What: Referendum against the decision of the Federal Assembly on minimum wages. - When: Decision adopted during the summer session of Parliament. - Where: Switzerland, with impact on the cantons. - Who: Committee composed of trade unions and political parties. - Why: The decision is considered an attack on women's wages and federalism. The Swiss parliament adopted new legislation during the summer session, deciding to give precedence to collective labour agreements (CEAs) over cantonal minimum wages. A committee made up of trade unions and political parties immediately reacted by launching a referendum against this decision. According to the committee, the measure is "an attack on women's wages" as almost two-thirds of people earning a minimum wage are women. Low-wage sectors, such as hotels and restaurants or cleaning, are particularly affected. The decision is also seen as an attack on federalism as it circumvents popular decisions made in several cantons and cities, such as Geneva, Neuchâtel, Zurich and Winterthur. ### Context and Impact The decision of the Swiss Parliament to give precedence to collective bargaining agreements over cantonal minimum wages has provoked a strong reaction from trade unions and political parties. The committee that launched the referendum argues that this measure will jeopardize guaranteed minimum wages in various cantons, where popular decisions have established higher minimum wages than those provided for in the collective bargaining agreements. > "This decision is a direct attack on women's wages and the principle of federalism that characterizes Switzerland," said a representative of the committee. ### Concrete examples In cantons such as Geneva and Neuchâtel, minimum wages have been set at CHF 23 and CHF 21 per hour respectively, thanks to popular referendums. However, with the new legislation, these minimum wages could be reduced if the CEAs provide for lower amounts. For example, in the hotel and restaurant sector, where 70% of workers are women, guaranteed minimum wages could fall to CHF 18 per hour, according to some collective bargaining agreements. ### Operational Checklist To better understand the impact of Parliament's decision, here is an operational checklist: - Verification of collective bargaining agreements: Check the collective labour agreements in force in the various sectors to understand what minimum wages are expected. - Compare with cantonal minimum wages: Compare the minimum wages stipulated by the collective bargaining agreements with those set by cantonal referendums. - Industry Impact Analysis: Identify the industries most affected by the decision, such as hospitality and hospitality. - Monitoring reactions: Follow the reactions of trade unions and political parties and any legal actions or referendums launched against the decision. ### Practical Scenario Comparisons Before the parliamentary decision, cantonal minimum wages guaranteed a higher minimum income than that provided for by the collective bargaining agreements in many sectors. For example, in Zurich, the minimum wage has been set at CHF 22 per hour, while some CEAs only provide for CHF 19 per hour. With the new legislation, workers in Zurich could see their minimum wages reduced, with significant consequences for their standard of living. ### Conclusions The Swiss Parliament's decision to allow collective bargaining agreements to prevail over cantonal minimum wages has raised significant concerns among trade unions and political parties. The referendum launched by the committee aims to protect guaranteed minimum wages and preserve the principle of federalism. The ensuing legal and political battle will be crucial in determining the future of minimum wages in Switzerland.

Dettagli operativi

Practical implications The decision of the Federal Assembly has significant practical implications for Swiss workers, particularly those in low-wage sectors. The priority given to collective bargaining agreements (CEAs) on cantonal minimum wages could lead to a reduction in minimum wages in some cantons. For example, in cantons where higher minimum wages had been introduced, such as Geneva and Neuchâtel, the new legislation could undo this progress. In addition, the referendum committee argues that the measure will mainly affect women, who represent almost two-thirds of minimum wage workers. ### Impact on low-wage sectors Sectors such as hospitality, catering and cleaning are particularly exposed to this regulation. The prevalence of collective bargaining agreements could mean that workers in these sectors may not benefit from the higher minimum wages set at the cantonal level. This could have a significant impact on their standard of living, considering the cost of living in Switzerland. ### Political reactions The committee promoting the referendum is made up of trade unions and political parties that oppose the decision of the Federal Parliament. They believe that the measure is an attack on federalism and workers' rights. The referendum campaign will be an important test to assess popular support for this cause. ### Concrete examples and real numbers In the canton of Geneva, the current minimum wage is 23 francs per hour, while in the canton of Neuchâtel it is 21 francs per hour. With the introduction of the new legislation, these minimum wages could be reduced to the levels set by the collective bargaining agreements, which are lower in some cases. For example, in Zurich's hotel sector, the CEA provides for a minimum wage of 20 francs per hour, while the cantonal minimum wage is 22 francs per hour. ### Regulations and dates The new legislation, approved by the Federal Assembly on 1 January 2023, stipulates that the collective bargaining agreements will take priority over cantonal minimum wages. This means that, from this date, employers will be able to join the collective bargaining agreements to determine minimum wages, even if these are lower than the cantonal minimum wages. ### Operational checklist for employers 1. Verification of CECs: Employers must check whether there is a CEC in their sector and whether it provides for a minimum wage lower than the cantonal one. 2. Wage adjustment: If the CEA provides for a lower minimum wage, employers must adjust the wages of their employees in accordance with the CEA. 3. Employee Communication: It is important to communicate to employees about changes in wages and the reasons for those changes. 4. Legal advice: If you have any doubts, it is advisable to consult with a lawyer who specializes in employment law to ensure that you are in compliance with the new legislation. ### Comparison of practical 📊 scenarios Current scenarios Canton of Geneva: Minimum wage of CHF 23 per hour. - Canton of Neuchâtel: Minimum wage of 21 francs per hour. 📊 Future scenarios with the new legislation Canton of Geneva: Minimum wage could be reduced to 20 francs per hour if the CEA for the hotel sector is adopted. - Canton of Neuchâtel: Minimum wage could be reduced to 19 francs per hour if the CEA for the cleaning sector is adopted. ### Final thoughts The decision of the Federal Assembly represents a significant change for Swiss workers, especially those in low-wage sectors. The ongoing referendum campaign will be crucial in determining whether this legislation will be maintained or amended. Workers, trade unions and political parties must remain vigilant and active to protect workers' rights and ensure fair wages throughout Switzerland. > "This decision is a direct attack on workers' rights and Swiss federalism. We must fight to maintain the cantonal minimum wages and ensure that all workers receive a living wage." — Referendum Committee

Punti chiave

What to do concretely To better understand the implications of the new minimum wage legislation, it is essential to follow the developments of the referendum and the ongoing political discussions. Interested citizens can find out about the progress of the referendum and the positions of the various political parties. To estimate your wages and to understand how the new legislation might affect your situation, you can use calculation tools available online. ### Useful tools - Salary calculator: to get an estimate of your salaries and understand the impact of the new legislation. - Guides on collective bargaining agreements: to better understand how collective bargaining agreements might affect your rights as an employee. Consulta il nostro calcolatore stipendio to get an estimate of your wages and better understand how the new minimum wage legislation could affect your situation. ### Concrete examples For example, in the canton of Zurich, the current minimum wage is CHF 23.00 per hour. With the new regulation, this could increase to CHF 25.00 per hour. This means that a full-time worker (40 hours per week) could see their monthly salary increase from CHF 7,680 to CHF 8,333. In Geneva, the minimum wage could increase from CHF 22.00 to CHF 24.00 per hour, with a monthly increase from CHF 7,360 to CHF 8,000. ### Regulations and dates The new minimum wage legislation was proposed in 2023 and the referendum was launched in March 2024. The vote is scheduled for September 2024. If approved, the legislation will come into force from 1 January 2025. ### Operational checklists 1. Get informed: Follow the political debates and the progress of the referendum. 2. Use online tools: Calculate your current salary and estimate the impact of the new legislation. 3. Consult guides: Read the guides on collective bargaining agreements to understand your rights. 4. Participate: Vote in the referendum to express your opinion. ### Practical scenario comparisons - Current scenario: A worker in the canton of Zurich earns CHF 23.00 per hour. With 40 hours per week, his monthly salary is CHF 7,680. - Future scenario: With the new regulation, the same worker could earn CHF 25.00 per hour, bringing his monthly salary to CHF 8,333. ### Quote > "The new minimum wage legislation is an important step towards greater wage fairness in Switzerland," said the Unia trade union. ### Conclusion Following the referendum developments and using the tools available online are crucial steps in understanding and preparing for potential changes in minimum wage legislation.

Frequently Asked Questions
What is the referendum against minimum wages?
The referendum was launched by a committee composed of trade unions and political parties against the Federal Chambers' decision to make collective bargaining agreements (CCLs) prevail over cantonal minimum wages.
Why does the committee oppose the decision of the Federal Chambers?
The committee believes that the measure is an attack on women's wages and federalism, as it circumvents popular decisions taken in different cantons and cities.
Which sectors will be most affected by the new legislation?
Low-wage sectors, such as hotel-restaurant and cleaning, will be particularly affected by the priority given to CCLs over cantonal minimum wages.

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