Switzerland - Unions demand 2.5% general pay rise - September 30, 2026

On 10 September, the Swiss Trade Union Federation (SGB) opened the autumn wage round by demanding general pay rises of 2.5% for 2027. The SGB president spoke of a "purchasing power crisis". Real wages have lagged behind productivity for years. Had the median wage kept pace, it would today be 500 francs (€ 536) a month higher. In some sectors, especially healthcare, hospitality and transport, recent pay increases did not even offset inflation. SGB wants a minimum of 5,000 francs (€ 5,357) a month for workers who have completed an apprenticeship. The employers' association SAV rejected the demand as excessive.

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