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Swiss voters reject minimum wage

Posted on 5/18/14 at 12:50 pm
Posted by carbola
Bloomington, IN
Member since Aug 2010
4308 posts
Posted on 5/18/14 at 12:50 pm
But I thought Europe was so progressive:

quote:

The country's election authority said a preliminary tally showed 76% voted against the proposal and 24% voted for it.

Labor unions had campaigned for months to win public backing for a minimum hourly wage of 22 Swiss francs, or nearly $25. Adjusted for the cost of living, it would be worth about $17.60 in the United States.

The Swiss government and business leaders had warned that the initiative would destroy jobs, hurt lower skilled employees and make it harder for young people and others to enter the workforce.

Switzerland is a wealthy country, enjoying above average rates of growth and employment and relatively short working hours.

But unlike many advanced economies, it does not have a statutory national minimum wage. Pay is set in negotiations between companies and individuals, or with employee representatives -- sometimes across industrial sectors.

Swiss unions argued that it was a disgrace that 330,000 mainly young workers in one of the world's richest countries don't earn enough to support a decent quality of life. Many work in retail, hotels or restaurants.


quote:

Germany is planning to introduce a national minimum wage next year for the first time, at 8.50 euros an hour. That's worth about $15 in the U.S.


LINK
Posted by davesdawgs
Georgia - Class of '75
Member since Oct 2008
20307 posts
Posted on 5/18/14 at 12:56 pm to
Their voters are probably smart enough to understand that wages should be a function of data/supply and demand. In other words, what you get paid is based on the value of your skills in the marketplace.
Posted by HailHailtoMichigan!
Mission Viejo, CA
Member since Mar 2012
69353 posts
Posted on 5/18/14 at 1:13 pm to
I guess their fast food workers are smarter than ours
Posted by tysonslefthook
Near Baton Rouge
Member since Apr 2014
1218 posts
Posted on 5/18/14 at 1:23 pm to
They have a smart voter base apparently. Unlike the idiots that go to the polls here.
Posted by TotesMcGotes
New York, New York
Member since Mar 2009
27881 posts
Posted on 5/18/14 at 1:54 pm to
They have no minimum wage and they rejected what would have been the world's highest minimum wage. That hardly makes them conservative.

Something will be done soon, even if it's a lower minimum wage. This is their third referendum on pay in 18 months and they're worried about the growing income inequality.
Posted by rbWarEagle
Member since Nov 2009
49999 posts
Posted on 5/18/14 at 3:17 pm to
So, the Swiss are informed voters. That's refreshing.
Posted by Y.A. Tittle
Member since Sep 2003
101646 posts
Posted on 5/18/14 at 3:19 pm to
Why do the Swiss hate poor people????
Posted by deltaland
Member since Mar 2011
90835 posts
Posted on 5/18/14 at 9:00 pm to
quote:

Switzerland is a wealthy country, enjoying above average rates of growth and employment and relatively short working hours.



quote:

But unlike many advanced economies, it does not have a statutory national minimum wage. Pay is set in negotiations between companies and individuals, or with employee representatives -- sometimes across industrial sectors.


So you mean to tell me a free market and competitive work environment leads to more wealth and more employment, spurring economic growth?

There is a shining beacon to look at over here, America. Take notes
Posted by TerryDawg03
The Deep South
Member since Dec 2012
15772 posts
Posted on 5/18/14 at 11:34 pm to
Swiss gun laws are also very anti-European.
Posted by Tigah in the ATL
Atlanta
Member since Feb 2005
27539 posts
Posted on 5/19/14 at 10:45 am to
The Swiss only completely gave women the vote in the 70s. Hardly progressive.
Posted by Tigah in the ATL
Atlanta
Member since Feb 2005
27539 posts
Posted on 5/19/14 at 10:46 am to
quote:

8.50 euros an hour. That's worth about $15 in the U.S.
$11.66
Posted by Tigah in the ATL
Atlanta
Member since Feb 2005
27539 posts
Posted on 5/19/14 at 10:49 am to
Also, headline should be "Swiss reject world's highest minimum wage."

90% already make more than that now anyway.
Posted by dcrews
Houston, TX
Member since Feb 2011
30223 posts
Posted on 5/19/14 at 11:41 am to
quote:

Pay is set in negotiations between companies and individuals


Imagine that......
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