The Commercial Association waives wage demands

Once again this year, the Commercial Association has analyzed the GDP growth forecast by the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs SECO and the federal government's experts, as well as inflation and the associated costs for employees (price level, healthcare costs, rent, etc.). Normally, it derives sector-specific wage recommendations from this in order to counteract a loss of purchasing power and to allow employees to participate in higher productivity as well as in an increase in profitability. However, due to the Corona crisis and the current economic situation, the Commercial Association will not demand higher wages for individual sectors in 2021. Rather, it is advocating for the preservation of as many jobs as possible and the protection of incomes. It is also calling on employers to invest in strengthening the labor market skills of employees and managers, for example by providing further training. Nevertheless, companies are encouraged to grant wage increases if they have high added value and are not facing existential problems.

Jobs and wages preserved in the long term

"In view of the current difficult economic situation, it does not seem opportune for the Kaufmännischer Verband to demand higher wages across all sectors," says Caroline Schubiger, Head of Career and Consulting at the Kaufmännischer Verband. The lockdown in spring 2020 will have a negative impact on the economic situation and on the labor market, as predicted by the ETH Zurich's economic research center and SECO. It is particularly important now to secure jobs and income in the long term so that purchasing power is maintained and consumption and the economy are strengthened. "A particular challenge is to preserve jobs in industries that can expect the Corona pandemic to have a longer-term impact on the volume of work, such as air transport," Schubiger said. "If it is not possible to avoid job cuts, we will advocate for socially responsible solutions and actively support the affected employees."

Continuing education strengthens labor market skills

In today's world, learned expertise quickly becomes obsolete. New competencies such as change competence, self-organization or decision-making skills are needed to remain agile. The digitalization push brought about by the Corona crisis also shows that digital competencies, methodological, social and personal competencies are becoming increasingly important in this working world. It is precisely these competencies that the Commercial Association is focusing on in the reform of commercial apprenticeships (Kaufleute 2022). However, not only young professionals, but also experienced professionals and older employees need to develop these skills. "It is especially important now to invest in continuing education. Only in this way is it possible for employees to develop professionally and thus strengthen their marketability as well as that of the company," says Schubiger. The Commercial Association therefore calls on companies to motivate and support employees in continuing education. In other words, companies are called upon to create suitable framework conditions and a climate of trust so that further training becomes part of the professional career and working hours. In addition, employees and managers should be made aware of the importance of lifelong learning.

The Commercial Association offers comprehensive support

The Kaufmännische Verband offers employees comprehensive advice and support in matters relating to education and careers. In addition, in view of the Corona crisis, it has expanded its annual fundraising to help members who are affected by loss of income and financial bottlenecks. Members who wish to pursue continuing education but do not have the financial means to do so may also apply for financial assistance for their continuing education.

Source and further information: www.kfmv.ch