The unions on Saturday approved the new national contract for the main construction sector. This text provides in particular for an increase, from 1 January 2023, in effective salaries of 150 francs and minimum salaries of 100 francs.
The result of the negotiations was approved by the approximately 150 delegates at the Unia construction trade conference, meeting in Bern, as well as the 55 delegates at the Syna construction conference in Olten, the unions said in a press release. The assembly of delegates of the Swiss Society of Entrepreneurs (SSE) must in turn decide on January 13.
Among the workers, most delegates consider that a new national agreement is in the interest of the whole branch, according to the text. Some, however, expressed ‘their incomprehension at the low wage increase in the face of the current construction boom and the rising cost of living’.
Several masons also recalled that the increasing pressure of deadlines and time remains a major problem on construction sites. Workers expect further improvements in this area.
Long negotiations
An agreement was reached at the end of November following nine rounds of “intense” negotiations, a demonstration which brought together 15,000 construction workers in June as well as several days of protest, recall the unions. Some 15,000 masons took to the streets between mid-October and the end of November to defend their demands.
The new agreement will be valid for three years. In addition to wage increases, it provides for ‘simplifications in the organization of working time and improvements with the aim of increasing the attractiveness of the branch’, said the social partners when announcing the agreement.
Various controversial topics will be dealt with in a joint working group. These include the limitation of working and travel time or better protection in the event of bad weather.
Without the agreement of the social partners, there would be a contractual vacuum. Minimum wages and minimum working conditions would no longer apply, funding for continuing vocational training would no longer be ensured and the obligation of industrial peace would no longer apply, warn the unions.
/ATS
