The Swiss Commercial Association celebrates its 150th anniversary

The Swiss Commercial Association was founded on April 14, 1873 as a federation of 20 local educational associations (at that time: "Schweizerischer Verein junger Kaufleute"). In 1882, the name was changed to "Schweizerischer Kaufmännischer Verein", in 1977 to "Schweizerischer Kaufmännischer Verband" and in 2001 to "KV Schweiz".

Competence Center for Education and Career

Today, the Swiss Commercial Association is regarded as a competence center for education and careers. It has around 38,500 members, whom it advises on issues relating to their professional careers and whose concerns it represents both at the political level and within the framework of social partnership agreements. As the sponsor or co-sponsor of various professional and technical examinations, it also offers practical training and continuing education. "The central fields of activity of the association included, then as now, the commitment to a modern and forward-looking education, economic and social policy that treats all professionals - men and women, rich and poor, young and old - fairly" explains Christian Zünd, CEO of the Swiss Commercial Association.

150 years of education policy work

Education and lifelong learning are firmly anchored in the DNA of the Swiss Commercial Association, the association writes in its media release on the anniversary. "The success of the commercial apprenticeship, which has been one of the most chosen training programs in Switzerland for decades, is based on its close focus on professional practice and the numerous opportunities for further training to acquire new skills or strengthen those already learned," Zünd said. The introduction of specialized examinations in correspondence, banking and stenography in the 1920s set important pillars for the systematization and feminization of vocational education. This was followed by the differentiation of commercial professional qualifications (higher professional examinations, professional and association examinations) and numerous other educational innovations and reforms. "The year 2023 is doubly important for the Swiss Commercial Association" emphasizes Zünd. "Not only are we celebrating 150 years of association history and our tireless commitment to education and professional policy. We are also looking forward to the launch of the new commercial apprenticeship and are firmly convinced that it will equip young people - today as yesterday - with the necessary tools for the challenges of the future."

Over 100 years of social partnership

Even in its early founding years, the Swiss Commercial Association was committed to resolving social tensions and counteracting unemployment in economically difficult situations. The association also took up the cause of rethinking the Swiss pension system: after the First World War, for example, it joined the "Vereinigung schweizerischer Angestelltenverbände" (VSA). The aim was to promote economic stability and employer dialogue in the face of a radicalizing labor movement. As early as December 1918, the VSA was able to sign the first comprehensive collective labor agreement in Switzerland, thus laying the foundation for a modern social partnership.

"Today, the Swiss Commercial Association represents around 700,000 employees from the banking and insurance, retail, trade, industry, aviation and staff leasing sectors in almost 40 regional and national collective labor agreements. It is committed to fair and non-discriminatory working conditions and to strengthening the individual's ability to work," says Zünd.

Anniversary events 2023

As part of various anniversary events this year, the Swiss Commercial Association is devoting itself to the working worlds of tomorrow and taking a closer look at the social and operational effects of the New Work Culture. What trends are shaping the Swiss labor market? What developments are in store for employees in service and knowledge professions? Which skills will set the pace in the future? In March 2023, the Swiss Commercial Association will also launch its anniversary campaign "buerogeschichten.ch" - an interactive platform that offers a journey through the history of commercial and business administration and shows why the commercial apprenticeship is indispensable for the Swiss education system and business people for the local economy.

Source and further information: www.kfmv.ch