«Putsch gegen die direkte Demokratie»: Das Parlament will kantonale Mindestlöhne übersteuern, nun lancieren die Gewerkschaften den Abstimmungskampf
Der Mindestlohn ist ein politischer Dauerbrenner in der Schweiz. Die Befürworter wollen damit die Kaufkraft stärken. Die Gegner sehen darin eine Schwächung der erfolgreichen Sozialpartnerschaft.
In Switzerland, the minimum wage remains a contentious political issue. Proponents argue it strengthens purchasing power, while opponents see it as undermining successful social partnerships. For trade unions, obtaining over 100,000 signatures for their latest referendum was a significant victory. Pierre-Yves Maillard, the head of Swiss trade unions, praised the employees at the federal office upon delivering the final signatures.
The referendum challenges the parliament's decision that collective agreements (GAV) must adhere to cantonal minimum wages. Essentially, if the minimum wage exceeds the agreed-upon salary in a GAV, the minimum wage takes precedence. Previously, unions had achieved this in several cantons and municipalities, though they have always failed at the federal level.
Both the Federal Council and the Federal Court had previously declared such federalism acceptable. However, the conservatives in parliament attempted to correct these referendums retrospectively, arguing that social partnerships between trade unions and employers should determine wages. Cantonal and municipal minimum wages would weaken this partnership.
Now, the voting population must decide on federal level about the cantonal minimum wages. Demonstrating in Bern, trade unions expressed confidence. In the upcoming vote campaign, they will argue socially but also refer to federalism. A vote is expected in February 2027.
Written by urgent.news from NZZ Wirtschaft's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
