Negotiations are taking place in Brussels – but there are also negotiations between the social partners in Switzerland: about the new agreements with the EU. The SGB trade union federation left the round table in protest. Adrian Wüthrich, president of the smaller umbrella organization Travail Suisse, has stayed.
SRF News: The trade union federation has left the round table, Travail Suisse is continuing to negotiate with the employers’ association and the trade association. What signal are the unions sending?
Adrian Wüthrich: The signal is the same: we have absolutely no differences in terms of content. We both have an interest in getting the best out of our employees. We want wage protection to be maintained.
The Federal Council has not yet said anything about how it wants to ensure wage protection domestically. We continue to fight together and we still coordinate well. I believe that the Federal Council will do everything in its power to ensure that the trade union federation comes back to the table. If we don’t have a solution at the end, Travail Suisse will not support the agreements.
Do you see progress in the content of the round table?
We have found a solution with employers to the EU’s request to shorten the pre-registration period from eight to four days. Thanks to digitalization, we can transmit company reports more quickly and this should make it possible to carry out workplace controls within four days.
Only when the Federal Council defines which domestic measures it wants can Travail Suisse decide whether we will support this new contract or not.
If employers start negotiating minimum wages and more collective employment contracts, will the SGB also return to the negotiating table?
I assume this is the crucial step. The second requirement is that the Federal Council shows its colors and defines which domestic measures it wants. Only then can Travail Suisse decide whether we will support this new contract or not.
What do the unions bring to the table?
We can probably accept the European Court of Justice with a so-called non-regression clause. We have taken the step when it comes to institutional issues.
How important are the new agreements with the EU for the unions on a scale of one to ten?
We want to improve the relationship with the EU. On a scale of one to ten I would say nine. For us it is very important. That’s why we’re also looking for solutions. But it takes both. We also need a commitment from business that they are prepared to stand with us.
What responsibility does Travail Suisse assume for the outcome of a new agreement with the EU?
With our willingness to talk, we show that we are ready to take on a great responsibility. But we also have to be able to show that these new contracts are a benefit for employees.
Wage protection must be maintained, otherwise we will fight the agreement.
It’s no use if a few union officials give in if the members don’t agree. Wage protection must be maintained, otherwise we will fight the agreement.
The interview was conducted by Karoline Arn.
Legend:
Adrian Wüthrich, President of Travail Suisse (Image: 02.05.17)
KEYSTONE/Marcel Bieri