Parliament gives a big slap in the face to cantonal minimum wages
In Geneva, the minimum wage has existed since 2020.
This is a blow to the cantons of Geneva and Neuchâtel. The National Council voted on Tuesday in favor of a reform that places collective labor agreements (CLAs) above cantonal minimum wages . If confirmed by the states, this decision could have direct consequences in Geneva and Neuchâtel, where such wages were introduced by popular vote. These amount to 25 francs and 21 francs respectively.
The measure was approved by 109 votes to 76, with 7 abstentions. A minority of the Council advocated for the popular will to prevail, where a vote had been validated. "Minimum wages democratically chosen by authorities or by the people of certain cantons, for very clearly social reasons, are part of social policies falling under cantonal jurisdiction," argued Green Party member Sophie Michaud Gigon (Les Verts/VD). It's a failure.
The right had the last word, invoking the primacy of social partnership. "We cannot circumvent these provisions negotiated and made mandatory by the Federal Council in accordance with federal law through cantonal state provisions," argued Olivier Feller of the PLR (FDP) from the podium. For his part, UDC Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin warned against an attack on federalism and the Constitution.
The National Council's decision rekindles the debate on cantonal powers and the recognition of popular elections. The text still needs to pass the Council of States stage. A popular vote at the federal level will likely take place.
"For the first time in history, wage reductions are planned through federal legislation." The Swiss Trade Union Federation did not mince its words in its position following the vote. "If the Council of States adopts the bill, democratically taken popular decisions would be stripped of their substance." The Swiss Trade Union Federation calls on the Council of States to halt this wage-cutting law. For its part, the Federation of French-speaking Businesses welcomes the National Council's decision. "Today's vote is good news," it wrote. "This decision promotes social partnership, which is a key element in the success of the Swiss economic and social model. We have no interest in weakening it."
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