Salaries Needed in Switzerland

According to the Swiss Association of Business Workers and Angestelte Schweiz, modest wage increases in recent years barely compensated for the rising cost of living.

The Swiss Association of Business Workers (SIC) and Angestelle Schweiz are calling for salary increases of up to 4.5% from 2024. To cope with inflation and the steady increase in the cost of living, workers' associations are also calling for a minimum monthly wage of 300 francs for employees who have less than 42,000 francs. “It's an undisputed fact: the cost of living is constantly rising”, write the two associations in a joint media communique released today. Despite inflation, the employees' “salaries, especially low-level ones, have increased only a few”, albinfo conveys. ch

According to the SIC and Angestrellte Schweiz, modest wage increases in recent years hardly compensate for the rising cost of living. As for the 4.5% increase, workers' associations are particularly addressing companies which last year have not given their employees full compensation for growth. This means that each company situation should be considered individually within the required” framework, they stress. “We are currently experiencing an extraordinary situation: a solid labour market and, perhaps in this regard, a consumption behavior currently intact by families”, says Michel Lang, chief of the Social Partnership in the SIC.

“People working in low-income sectors must be sure not to suffer real wage losses. For this reason, the required minimum contribution takes on a substantial importance”, says Stefan Scholar, director of the England Schweiz on his part. By providing adequate salaries, at the time of a large lack of qualified workforce, companies are also investing in their future. “If you want to keep or employ qualified workers, you have to offer by”, the Scholar concludes.