23.90 francs an hour: this is how “Mr. Minimum Wage” works

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Björn Resener (40) lives with his wife Elisabeth (41) and sons Arthur (11) and Enno (6) in middle-class Zurichberg, where you would never expect a trade unionist to exist. “Of course, I often get caught when I say where I live. But I’m even emphasizing that now,” says the general manager of the Zurich trade union federation and smiles.

When the German followed his wife from Berlin-Kreuzberg to Zurich nearly a decade ago – he already had a position as bassoonist at the Zurich Opera House – the rental apartment with access to the garden was the most convenient. “Also, the stereotype of the rich in Zurichberg is not for everyone.”

Influenced as the key to success

Resener organized the minimum wage campaign in Zurich and Winterthur ZH. The success is also “overwhelming” for him: Two-thirds voted yes on Sunday. “When I saw the first results, I thought it was a mistake.”

Resener, supported by the SP and the Greens, can only speculate on the reasons for the open vote. “Of course everyone is feeling the rising rent or food prices. And know that you cannot live in Zurich on an hourly wage of less than 23.90 francs.”

The key to success, she says, is the influencers who shaped the “Wage for Living” campaign: “Women from low-wage sectors like cleaning have stood up in society. It wouldn’t have worked without her courage.”

His mother, Bettina (69), shaped his understanding of social balance and justice. After the reunification of Germany in 1990, the high school teacher, like many in the East, had to reapply in a small town in Saxony-Anhalt. Although he kept the job, he was classified as an “Oriental teacher” in a lower salary bracket. «A career starter from the West earned more than my mother with years of experience. Incomprehensible!”

Before studying political science in Berlin, Resener went to boarding school as a team athlete – playing volleyball and beach volleyball. “I didn’t have the talent to be a professional and I was just interested in something other than sports.” After graduation he worked for a trade unionist in the Bundestag. “These experiences have helped me so far.” The last few weeks have been busy for the Reseners. “We had a brief toast on Sunday. When the tension left me, all I could do was lie on the couch.”

His wife, Elisabeth, is happy that the work has paid off. “I’m very happy that Björn is making a difference with his ideas.” She was also very busy: she took part in the women’s strike as a member of the Equal Opportunities Commission of the Canton of Zurich. Meanwhile, “Omi Resi” kept things in order at home. She always travels from Germany when there is a fire. “I was asked there if I had a Swiss passport yet,” he says with a wink.

Resener wants to be Swiss

Björn Resener wants to become a Swiss next year – his wife and children already have red passports. “Now I feel at home here.” When asked what he admires most about Switzerland, the answer is clear: “The direct democracy system.”

It doesn’t bother Resener, who earns CHF 7,900 full-time, that opponents of the minimum wage now want to challenge this in court. “We have legally controlled everything. Objection has no chance.” Sorry for the delay. But glad that cities like Lucerne or Bern now want to do the same.

Source :Blick