Master builders’ association remains confident
In the fourth round of negotiations, the Swiss Federation of Master Builders and the trade unions continued to discuss the draft of the new national collective labour agreement. The dialogue has been constructive and the goal remains ambitious. A modern, generally binding collective agreement is to come into force on 1 January 2026. With clear standards, fair enforcement and protection against wage dumping.
The SBC’s draft agreement is based on simple, realisable rules. Key points include an automatic inflation adjustment of minimum wages, the retention of annual working hours and new freedom in the organisation of working hours. There are plans for flexitime and long-term accounts, which offer employees more flexibility for further training or family commitments. Company holidays and bridging days are also to be communicated at an early stage.
An important focus is on labour law protection in the event of illness and accidents. At the suggestion of the SBV, the trade unions are examining an adjustment to the Swiss Code of Obligations in order to avoid the disadvantages of previous regulations. At the same time, notice periods for older employees should be structured in such a way that reintegration into the labour market is not made more difficult.
Both sides are endeavouring to find practical solutions to technical issues. For example, on the recognition of travelling time or Saturday work in the event of weather-related absences. The association points out that bonuses should only be adjusted in exceptional cases.
Controversial view of the trade unions
While the SBC describes the negotiations as “good and constructive”, there is growing resentment on the employee side. According to Unia and Syna, there is a threat of protests and strikes. In a nationwide poll, around 90 per cent of construction workers surveyed signalled their willingness to start work stoppages if no agreement is reached. The unions criticise in particular longer daily working hours, lower bonuses and a deterioration in the situation of older workers.
The SBV counters this and emphasises that the annual working hours remain unchanged and that the minimum wages in the construction industry are among the highest in Europe. Since 2019, wages have risen by 7.5 per cent, with inflation at 6.5 per cent. According to the association, the new agreement should neither increase burdens nor reduce security, but rather strengthen the industry’s competitiveness.
Last round to be decided
The next and, for the time being, last round of negotiations is scheduled for 28 October. At the same time, technical working groups are meeting to prepare disputed details. Both sides are publicly emphasising their willingness to negotiate, but the differences are considerable.
There is a lot at stake for the construction industry. The collective labour agreement regulates the working conditions of around 80,000 employees and forms the basis for stability and fairness in one of Switzerland’s most important industries.