After the AHV battle, the next pension battle is already on the agenda. In the spring session, parliament will take a decision on the reform of occupational pensions (BVG). The left and the unions have already announced the referendum, it is striking But a civil compromise.
One thing is clear: in the mandatory BVG area, which covers a wage level of up to CHF 88,200, the so-called conversion rate should drop from 6.8 to 6 percent. This means that for every CHF 100,000 saved in retirement savings, there will only be a pension of CHF 6,000 instead of CHF 6,800 per year. A pension discount of 12 percent. A gap that must be filled with compensatory measures.
The centerpiece is a pension supplement for a transitional generation of 15 years. A surcharge would however alone more than half of this generation of pensioners receive – classified by age and income – a maximum of 200 francs per month. The rest get nothing. The bourgeoisie pushed this model through against the resistance of the left.
Coordination deduction dispute
The last major bone of contention is the so-called coordination deduction. The amount of the insured salary depends on this what messages must be paid into the pension fund. The Council of States would like to limit the coordination deduction flexibly to 15 percent of the salary, the responsible National Council Committee would like to set it at 12,863 francs. With a gross salary of, for example, 60,000 francs, depending on the model, wage contributions would have to be paid at 51,000 or 47,137 francs. A 50-year-old would have to pay about 298 or 275 francs per month to the pension fund. The coordination deduction has a major impact on how much is deducted from the salary and pension fund is transferred.
It is still unclear which model will prevail in the National Council. However, the Federal Social Insurance Agency has calculated the financial impact based on age and income. However, these only refer to the minimum specifications of the BVG obligationwhich affects only about one seventh of the insured.
Will the pension also increase in real terms?
Blick uses three examples to show the effects. However, this is only an approximation of reality, as individual careers are much more colorful than standard calculations.
45-year-old cashier who works part-time (3,000 francs per month): Today she pays about 90 francs a month out of her own pocket into the pension fund – and will one day receive a pension from the pension fund of about 400 francs a month. With the model of the Council of States she would have to pay an extra 100 francs per month, the pension would rise to about 600 francs. If the National Council’s social committee is victorious, it will pay an additional CHF 60 and a BVG pension of about CHF 500. With an AHV pension of more than 1,800 francs and the BVG pension, that would come to around 2,400 francs. This means that she would still be entitled to an allowance (EL).
50-year-old full-time secretary (5400 francs): Depending on the model, she would now have to deposit about 60 to 70 francs more into the pension fund every month. But she wouldn’t have any of that. At least not on the credit side. In the model of the Council of States, your BVG pension would fall from the current CHF 550 to about CHF 450. In that of the social committee, she would have to make do with a little less. Despite the pension supplement. It will also be tight with the AHV pension of more than 2,200 francs.
55-year-old part-time cleaning worker (CHF 2,000): Her pension from the pension fund is now just over 100 francs. With the model of the Council of States this would amount to more than 300 francs, with that of the Social Commission to more than 250 francs. Always including pension surcharge. On the other hand, she would have to pay a little more – instead of just under 30 francs today, she would now have to pay about 120 or 70 francs. But even if the BVG pension almost triples, supplementary benefits are necessary. In this case, the full AHV pension would only amount to about 1,100 francs.
depending on additional services
The examples show that low-paid people in particular can increase their pension from the pension fund, but in the best-case scenario are still dependent on a supplement – especially singles and unmarried people. For married couples, the income situation of the partner influences AHV and EL – and thus the entire pension situation.
When it comes to the EL issue, the left-wing criticism of the reform begins: “With this reform of the pension fund, women on low incomes only save on benefits”, SP co-boss Mattea Meyer (35) scolded in a Blick -interview.
Central Secretary of Trade Unions Gabriela Medici (37) agrees: “The reform is a farce. The situation is worsening for low incomes.” Because they do pay more into the pension fund, but in real terms they no longer have any money at an older age because they remain dependent on a supplement. “The net wages of those affected go down, while only the EL cash register is relieved.” The promise of better pensions for women is not kept. The left and trade unions therefore want to improve the pension situation with a 13th AHV pension.
“Many people with a low income also want to take responsibility”
The common people are fighting against this AHV expansion. FDP MP Regine Sauter (56) defends the compensation model in the reform of the pension fund. “It is crucial that low-income and part-time workers – mostly women – can build a better second pillar,” says the Zurich native.
The argument that many remain dependent on a supplement does not apply to them. “Many low-income people also want to take responsibility and save something for themselves.” In addition, employers would also pay the same premium for each employee. “Many women have long demanded that they can improve their second pillar, because it is also about independence.”
Source:Blick
I am Liam Livingstone and I work in a news website. My main job is to write articles for the 24 Instant News. My specialty is covering politics and current affairs, which I’m passionate about. I have worked in this field for more than 5 years now and it’s been an amazing journey. With each passing day, my knowledge increases as well as my experience of the world we live in today.
