The protection of Wages succumbed to

Many were surprised with what clarity be Karin Keller-Sutter said immediately after her election to the Federal Council against compromises in the protection of Wages in the framework agreement with the EU. If even a conservative-free Democrat Worries, such as arg, then, must be our wages at risk? Or basement was taken to Sutter about of your St. Gallen's seat neighbor in the Council of States, Ex-trade Union boss Paul Rechsteiner, from the left on the table?

Hardly, because the strapping is not a free-willed, Yes, at once, for minimum wages and the Expansion of workers ' rights. How many other she has, however, recognized the power of the concept of "wage protection".

Even liberal supporters of the framework agreement always emphasize: Even if it adjustments, it will not put the protection of Wages out of the question. Out of fear of burning on the "protection of Wages" the Finger, give the concept more weight. Anyone who has followed the current debate, wins the impression, the Swiss wage level will primarily be protected by the accompanying measures (Flam), and not the good framework conditions, such as, inter alia by the EU's market access to be created.

Many professions are not affected

Forgotten but, above all, that a large part of the local low-wage occupations – such as nursing, catering or cleaning – of the accompanying measures are concerned, neither in the Positive nor in the Negative. In the case of the Flam it comes to the regulation of the posting of workers by foreign-based companies in Switzerland, which relates mainly to the construction industry. It is not a coincidence shimmered at Keller-Sutter's plea, that you understand, under the protection of Wages, actually, especially the protection of local industry.

However, even when trades much can not be on the Accompanying. For example, the retail trade is not starving due to posted workers from abroad, but because Switzerland, send the interior and the Swiss themselves across the border, in order to buy cheap. Or because you put on the not really good working conditions well-known Internet giant Zalando and Amazon.

Ironically, the market entry of the food discounters Lidl and Aldi in Switzerland, however, has not led to wage pressure on the sales staff, but generally at lower prices. Of the families in the lower income groups benefit particularly.

Red lines in favor of a industry

of Course, there are in the construction industry, the black sheep who want to wander the local working conditions. The bureaucratic System with the 8-day rule discourages, but also fair competitors, which would be good for the encrusted Swiss construction sector. Not only in food but also in the construction industry, more competition leads to better Offers and lower prices, of which the General public benefits.

Karin Keller-like Sutter appear as a new friend of the unions. The trade unions, Paul Rechsteiner, and Corrado Pardini sound, but in fact, as figureheads of the industrial Association, if you draw your red lines, especially in favour of a single industry. Not only the unions, but large parts of the Left have succumbed to the power of the concept of "wage protection" and have been bitten in the literal preservation of the existing accompanying measures.

the conditions were never as good as they are today, to do with a fair offer, in fact, something for better working conditions. The economy has a major interest in the framework agreement, because it contributes to the security of our island of Prosperity. Accordingly, the willingness to give in return for the support of the Left also something. It does not need the consent of the EU for the improvement of working conditions not only in one but in all industries.

(editing Tamedia)

Created: 10.12.2018, 19:21 PM