Work.suisse requires an increase in wages of 2% on average in 2026. This increase must compensate for the increase in the cost of living and put an end to the wage delay accumulated in recent years, estimates the union scheme which presented its claims on Tuesday.
In 2022 and 2023, real wages fell a lot in many branches, a situation that was somewhat corrected the next two years. But that is not enough, according to Thomas Bauer, responsible for economic policy for work.
The increase in health insurance premiums and that of rents are also increasingly heavy in budgets. Salary increases of at least 2% on average for 2026 would maintain interior purchasing power, an important objective during the turbulence of the global economy.
Industry, a special case
The wage claims vary from one branch to another. The Syna Federation claims “vigorous” wage increases in the health and construction sectors: +4% for the former, +2% for the latter.
In the machine industry, the situation is special. The high customs duties on Swiss exports to the United States, associated with a strong depreciation of the American currency, weigh heavily in the sector.
Syna follows these trends closely and takes this context into account in her claims. For companies that are not affected by customs duties in the United States, the union sets a salary claim of 3.5%.
Catch -up to the public service
Post, public transport or federal administration employees, where savings programs have been chained, also need a wage increase. The Transfair union requests increases between 2% and 5%, depending on the situation of companies.
These public service wages have more or less followed the pace of increase in 2025, but have been penalized by real wages accumulated in recent years.
Decent wages in the hotel and restaurant
Hotel-restaurant staff also need substantial improvements. A transitional solution on minimum wages was found for the 1920s and 2027. It provides automatic inflation indexing. In addition, the National Labor Collective Agreement (CCNT) is extended until the end of 2027.
The next one will be negotiated this fall for an entry into force in 2028. Hotel & Gastro Union requires a general increase in minimum wages. Employees with CFC must receive at least 5,000 francs. The Federation also requests the automatic adaptation of minimum and effective wages to inflation and supplements for the work of the weekend of holidays and nights.
