Employees' efforts to be rewarded: Wage increase demanded for KV employees

For the Kaufmännischer Verband, wage increases of at least 0.75% are justified for the coming year in all sectors - in some cases also up to 1.5%, for example in the insurance industry, the pharmaceutical industry or in the IT sector. The Swiss economy is continuing to gain momentum and economic forecasts are positive with regard to further economic development, the association justifies its demand. Companies that suffered particularly from the appreciation of the Swiss franc had largely adapted to the new framework conditions. The latest labor market forecasts also show the best employment expectations for Switzerland as a whole in three years. Private consumption grew last year, with government consumption and investment showing even stronger growth. The Swiss export economy is also benefiting from the global upturn and the continued expansion of overall economic production in the euro zone, the KFMV continues.

Robust and competitive companies

In the past challenging years, Swiss companies have proven that they are robust and competitive. "This is largely thanks to the energetic commitment of their employees," writes the Swiss Commercial Association. Most industries made further gains last year, it said. The export-oriented MEM industry in particular benefited significantly from the devaluation of the Swiss franc and the positive international economic situation. The pharmaceutical and chemical industries grew even more strongly. Low interest rates and a lack of investment alternatives have also led to a sustained upward trend in the construction sector. Retail sales have been rising again since the beginning of the year. Despite great pressure on margins, cost-cutting measures in the banking and insurance sectors are producing increasingly pleasing results. In the telecommunications/informatics sector, long-term demand trends and ongoing digitization continue to produce very positive results.

Cushioning rising prices with wage increases

There has been no price growth for several years, KFMV said. Now, for the first time, positive inflation of up to 0.5% is expected again this year and next. This also justifies a wage increase, it said. And another clear demand: The unexplainable wage differences between men and women must be evened out. The changing labor market places higher demands on the skills of employees. Companies are therefore urged to make appropriate allowances in their investment plans for the training and further education of their employees.

Source: Commercial association