Switzerland - EU Compromise on wage protection accompanying measure in EU treaty package
A controversial accompanying measure for domestic wage protection in the new treaties with the EU is being adapted in the sense of a compromise. The Federal Council wants to take into account the concerns of employers and employees regarding protection against dismissal.
11.02.2026, 14:02
SDA
The controversial domestic "accompanying measure 14" concerns the social partnership in the company. The trade unions want to use it to improve protection for elected employee representatives. However, the employers' side has so far rejected the inclusion of this domestic measure in the agreement package.
The State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (Seco) therefore conducted additional negotiations. With the amendments adopted on Wednesday, the Federal Council wants to create more legal certainty for employers. Accordingly, dismissal of employee representatives prior to the conclusion of negotiations is not null and void, but abusive.
However, if an employer does not adhere to the procedure for holding the discussion, it must expect sanctions. The minimum penalty is four months' pay and the maximum ten months' pay. This is how the employee representative should be compensated.
If employers only make minor mistakes when conducting the discussion, they can make up for them correctly without having to expect a sanction. In contrast, a severe sanction would be imposed if an employer gives notice of termination without holding a discussion at all.
In the words of the Federal Council, the amended measure 14 represents a balanced solution to safeguard the package of measures for wage protection in Switzerland. The flexible labor market would not be restricted by the adjustments. In addition, only a few employers and employees are affected by the solution.
