Switzerland - Unions prepare referendum against weakening of minimum wage protections - March 31, 2026

Trade unions intensified opposition to a parliamentary decision that could weaken minimum wage protections in sectors covered by collective agreements. Both the National Council and the Council of States supported a motion prioritising collectively agreed wages over cantonal minimum wages. Trade unions, including Unia, warned that this could lead to lower wages in low-paid sectors such as hospitality and cleaning. They argue that wages under collective agreements may no longer be automatically adjusted for inflation, reducing real incomes. In response, unions announced plans to launch a referendum to block the reform, framing the issue as a major conflict over wage-setting mechanisms and the balance between statutory and collectively negotiated standards.

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