The decision in the Grand Chamber was taken by 95 votes in favour, 93 against and 4 abstentions. The factions of SVP, FDP and Mitte prevailed. There was also an FDP/center majority in the Council of States.
The motion of Obwalden State Councilor Erich Ettlin (60, center) aims to abolish the universally binding collective bargaining agreements (GAV) on various cantonal provisions on minimum wages.
Cantonal minimum wages become invalid
If the motion is carried out, cantonal minimum wage regulations that have been affirmed by the people – for example in the cantons of Geneva, Neuchâtel and Jura – will become invalid if the Federal Council has declared the GAV universally binding in the relevant sectors. The GAV provisions then apply. That is to say: the minimum wages voted on by the population in the cantons would lapse!
Proponents of the initiative argued that the social partnership has ensured industrial peace in Switzerland for more than 100 years. This must not be jeopardized by referenda on minimum wages. Today, there is a complaint that collective bargaining agreements agreed by the social partners are declared universally binding for the whole of Switzerland by the Federal Council, but can again be annulled by cantonal regulations.
“Just Stupid”
Proponents also stated that the new regulation would not challenge the minimum wage. However, these should be used in particular if there is no collective agreement and the employees therefore need a certain level of protection.
The minority of the committee that ultimately lost thought that democratic decisions should not be circumvented. This is a frontal attack on cantonal sovereignty, said SP co-chair Cédric Wermuth (36). “This idea is just stupid.”
After the vote, he reacted accordingly with annoyance. “This is nothing short of a parliamentary coup against the constitution,” he tweeted.
No hearing for western Swiss cantons
The Federal Council had also rejected the motion. Reason: A universally binding collective labor agreement does not have the same democratic legitimacy as a subdistrict law. Economy Minister Guy Parmelin, 63, said he believed the conflict area was not enough to warrant a potentially far-reaching intervention.
The cantons of western Switzerland had previously sent a letter to the national councilors warning against “ignoring the will of the people”. The parliamentarians were cold.
Trade unions announce resistance
Therefore, the Federal Council must now start implementing the motion. A calculation by the Unia trade union shows what the motion would mean for the employees. If the cantonal minimum wage falls, a hairdresser in Geneva will receive several hundred to 1,000 francs less per month. In Neuchâtel she loses up to 400 francs a month.
The Swiss Federation of Trade Unions (SGB) has already announced that it will “fight the bill with all necessary means and defend the cantonal minimum wages”. Means: they would probably hold the referendum. (SDA/sf)