Workers in specific Swiss cantons face higher risks of underpayment compared to others.
Chatever the Swiss Pay Scale Says, Many Swiss Workers Ain't Earning What They Deserve
In the land of chocolate and watches, many Swiss workers are getting the raw end of the deal, according to a comprehensive salary assessment carried out by the Swiss Trade Union Federation (SGB). The findings? Many Swiss can't seem to shake off that bitter taste of being underpaid.
The SGB discovered violations left, right, and center during their inspections of nearly 140,000 salaries in 2024, even in sectors with collective labor agreements (CLAs) in place. A staggering 31 percent of the companies inspected were found to pay insufficient wages, proving that wage protection in Switzerland is more of a joke than a safeguard.
One of the primary reasons for this depressing situation is the insufficient number of inspections carried out by the cantons. Swiss employers not subject to labor agreements are inspected, on average, every 26 years. The worst offenders? Cantons like Zug, Valais, Bern, Solothurn, and Thurgau, where the longest stretch between inspections reaches a whopping 158 years.
Unsurprisingly, the cantons with below-average inspection activity include Zurich, Basel-City, Basel-Country, Aargau, and Fribourg, which, despite countless violations, seldom take action. Contrastingly, Geneva and Ticino buck the trend by diligently implementing salary regulations.
Amidst this unsettling news, the Swiss Employers Association's head, Roland Müller, had the audacity to declare that ensuring a living wage is not the employers' job. Instead, Müller suggested that social assistance should be ready to step in if salaries are too low. Unsurprisingly, his comments sparked fierce criticism, with Jacqueline Badran, a deputy from the Social Democratic Party, succinctly pointing out that bad management or exploitation of employees is no way to run a business.
So, how do you ensure you're not joining the underpaid ranks? Start by understanding local minimum wages. Although Switzerland lacks a national minimum wage, select cantons like Neuchâtel, Geneva, Jura, Ticino, and Basel-City have their own minimum wage laws. If your industry has collective bargaining agreements (CCTs), they may set minimum wage standards or better terms than Cantonal laws.
Research industry standards using resources like Glassdoor or Indeed, and consider consulting the Swiss Trade Union Federation for guidance on average wages and potential wage discrepancies. If you believe you're underpaid, negotiate a salary increase with evidence of your qualifications and industry standards. If all else fails, consult a labor law attorney for advice on your rights and options.
Wage dumping may be rare in Switzerland, but with these strategies in your arsenal, you'll be equipped to claim what's rightfully yours. If you're curious about how to check if your Swiss employer is shortchanging you, learn more here: How can I find out if my Swiss employer is underpaying me?
- To secure a fair wage in the Swiss workplace-wellness landscape, one can refer to local education-and-self-development resources such as Glassdoor or Indeed for industry standards.
- Recognizing the importance of health-and-wellness in the workforce, it's essential to consider consulting the Swiss Trade Union Federation for guidance on average wages and potential wage discrepancies.
- As the finance sector continues to grow in Switzerland's business environment, it's crucial for employees to prioritize their financial stability by understanding local minimum wages and negotiating for fair compensation.
