Swiss Construction Workers to Strike Over Labor Agreement Changes

The Swiss construction industry is on the brink of a legal vacuum as the current collective labor agreement expires at the end of the year. Unia, the construction workers' union, has announced a strike on November 3rd and 4th, citing concerns over deteriorating working conditions. The Swiss Builders Association is accused of proposing changes that could extend working hours, increase on-call work, and reduce real wages.

The upcoming expiration of the collective labor agreement affects around 80,000 employees in the Swiss construction industry. Unia has expressed fears that the Swiss Builders Association aims to extend working hours to up to 50 hours per week. Additionally, unions accuse the association of wanting to generalize on-call work and shorten notice periods for employees over 55. Unia also alleges that the builders' association seeks to reduce real wages, further exacerbating workers' concerns.

The planned strike on November 3rd and 4th is a direct response to these proposed changes. Unia believes that these alterations would lead to a deterioration in working conditions and has called for its members to participate in the strike to voice their opposition.

With the collective labor agreement set to expire, the Swiss construction industry faces an uncertain future. Unia's strike aims to pressure the Swiss Builders Association to reconsider its proposed changes. Both parties must now engage in constructive dialogue to reach a new agreement that balances the needs of workers and employers, ensuring a stable and fair working environment for the industry's employees.