On the day of the general assembly of the Valais mechanical lifts (RMV), on 9 September, the director Pierre Mathey declared to the “Nouvelliste”: “The application of the minimum wage of thirteen times 4000 francs on January 1, 2023 with binding force is accepted by the branch. For the other points, our members are opposed to a binding entry into force.”
The automaticity of increases challenged
This opposition has since taken an official turn, with a letter addressed to State Councilors Mathias Reynard and Christophe Darbellay, according to information broadcast Thursday by Rhône FM.
Wage increases would no longer be granted on the basis of performance.
Pierre Matheydirector of the Valais ski lifts
Concretely, it is the salary grid which is contested by the umbrella association of the ski lifts, a grid which includes an automatic increase according to years of experience. A way of doing things that does not reward merit. “Salary increases would no longer be granted on the principle of performance. This type of automatism is fundamentally contrary to the principles of a liberal labor market”, comments Pierre Mathey.
Currently, the standard employment contract provides for a salary progression. For an employee in the operations sector, the starting salary is 3640 francs per month and the end-of-career salary is 4932 francs. “Yes, but the increase is derogable, whereas in the new version it could be made compulsory,” explains Pierre Mathey.
And now?
This position of the ski lifts will not block the file. “We are a consulting force. The decision is up to the politicians, ”says the director.