Travailsuisse demands 2% pay increase for all employees in Switzerland

TravailSuisse, an umbrella organisation of multiple employee unions in Switzerland, this week demanded a 2-percent salary increase for all by 2026, to offset the rising cost of living and make up for shortfalls in recent years. 

Swiss employee unions demand 2% pay rise for all

Presenting its demands to the media in Bern this week, TraivailleSuisse said it was demanding an average wage increase of 2 percent for all employees in the coming year. The umbrella organisation argued that the rising cost of living, particularly increasing costs for health insurance and rent made the raise necessary.

According to TravailSuisse, health insurance premiums have risen by as much as 8% over the past two years, and are expected to rise by another 4 percent in the coming year. For someone earning an average salary in Switzerland, these increases will see their annual income fall by up to 0,5%. 

"In recent years, employers in many places have failed to adjust wages to the higher cost of living for employees. Therefore, there is still some catching up to do. The economy is growing, and most companies have the necessary flexibility," said Thomas Bauer, Head of Economic Policy at Travail.Suisse, in a press release.

TravailSuisse says wage increases needed to support economy

TravailSuisse said that average wage increases of at least 2% would help maintain domestic purchasing power, which is essential for keeping the Swiss economy strong. The organisation wrote, “strong purchasing power for all employees is becoming even more important considering the current global economic situation.”

"Wages must keep pace with rising costs. Especially in times of global economic turmoil, domestic purchasing power is particularly important," said Yvonne Feri, President of the Syna union.