Swiss unions have expressed concerns over recent talks between Bern and Brussels. They urge the Swiss government to defend the interests of the population in negotiations with the European Union and to guarantee the protection of wages and public services.
The Swiss Trade Union (USS) and the Travail.Suisse union told reporters in Bern on Monday that they were very worried about the progress of the talks between Switzerland and the European Commission.
Following the previous draft “institutional agreement” project, a liberalisation programme is now emerging, they say.
In recent exploratory discussions, the Swiss federal authorities accepted a reduction in salary protection and a weakening of public services, the unions say.
Workers posted to Switzerland from abroad would no longer be reimbursed for expenses such as meals and accommodation at the level provided for in Switzerland. This would distort competition for Swiss companies.
In addition, the unions denounce the complete liberalisation of the electricity market and access to the rail market for service providers such as FlixTrain for international passenger traffic. The unions urge the Federal Council to correct these mistakes. ...