Wage issue: the Commercial Association calls for clear signals
The Commercial Association is demanding between 0.5% and 1.5% more pay, depending on the sector. The bottom has been reached and the economic development of Swiss companies is encouraging. After the numerous negative reports from the Swiss economy, positive signals must now be sent to employees.
For the Kaufmännischer Verband, wage increases of at least 0.5% in all sectors are justified for the coming year, in some cases even up to 1.5%: The Swiss economy has largely recovered from the shock in 2015. The solid quarterly figures of many Swiss companies show that companies have been able to strengthen their competitiveness again thanks to their high adaptability and the flexibility of the labor market. In addition, the euro area is gaining momentum, generating further economic momentum in Switzerland.
Optimized processes
The restructuring processes initiated are showing their effects: The business figures have recovered, also thanks to the enormous commitment of the employees. At the same time, however, numerous employees have lost their jobs. Private consumption remains the mainstay of the Swiss economy.
The major sectors are structurally in good shape again: After a challenging year in 2015, both the retail trade and the MEM industries have bottomed out. The situation has eased and the franc shock has been largely cushioned. The construction industry continues to anticipate a high level of construction activity, particularly in resource-efficient construction with wood. The banking and insurance sectors are holding up well to very well despite the difficult environment, and the pharmaceuticals and chemicals sectors continue to be conspicuously successful. In telecommunications/computer science, software development continues to contribute very positive results.
Wage differentials
Rising prices are expected in 2017. Well-qualified and motivated employees carried the companies through the difficult year 2015. An appropriate wage policy is therefore appropriate after the turbulent previous year.
The wage differences between men and women, which still exist and are in part inexplicable, must now finally be evened out. There is also a need to catch up in the retail, health and education sectors. This must be done in order to retain qualified and motivated employees in these sectors as well.
