Employees Switzerland is the federation of approximately 80 employees’ associations in companies of the engineering, electrical and metal industries (MEM) as well as the chemical/pharmaceutical branches. These associations have around 25 000 members. Employees Switzerland is therefore the largest association in the three branches. In MEM and the chemical industries, more than half of the organised employees are member of Employees Switzerland.

Employees Switzerland are modern representatives and regard the employees as co-employers. As well-trained and skilled workers or higher education graduates, they want to be involved in the decision-making process. After all, they are a company’s most important asset.

Employees associations (and their individual members) as well as individuals are members of Employees Switzerland.  Employees Switzerland’s structure is efficient and can do without bureaucracy. Our head office in Zurich is supported by regional offices. The General Meeting defines the main positions and the small board is responsible for a speedy implementation. The members of the board (president, vice-president, members) work in an honorary capacity and are elected by the General Meeting.

Employees Switzerland think and act as entrepreneurs: competent, constructive, professional and forward-looking. They look for creative, professional, pragmatic and tailor-made solutions and maintains dialogue, especially with the employers. That is also why they are reluctant to make generalised and dogmatic proposals. Employees Switzerland are politically and ideologically independent, also towards employers and trade unions.

In the magazine ‘Apunto’, Employees Switzerland inform their members about the latest developments in their branches; labour or socio-political issues; further education; and activities and events. Also, Employees Switzerland inform the public about concerns and needs of the employees in the affiliated branches.

Collective Bargaining Agreements facilitate best working conditions
The employees in MEM as well as the chemical/pharmaceutical branches benefit from Collective Bargaining Agreements.

During the process of negotiation, finalisation, implementation and monitoring the Collective Bargaining Agreement for the Engineering, Electrical and Metal Industries (CBA MEM), Employees Switzerland play a leading part. As largest trade association they are the employers’ most important partner. The acknowledged Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) has, on the company level, laid the foundation for securing jobs, developing further education, maintaining labour market access, introducing new work schedules, and much more.

Furthermore, Employees Switzerland are social partners of the unified agreement with Ciba and Huntsman. The 1997 agreement, which applies to all employees apart from the management, meant a huge breakthrough in the relations between the partners in the chemical branch.

Continuous Further Education
Employees Switzerland further the skills of their members through permanent high quality education. A great variety of courses are available for personnel representatives and members to improve their in skills and capabilities in management and social relations; thus maintaining their access to the labour market – Employees Switzerland consider their members’ labour market accessibility to be crucial. Members can attend courses and seminars at a considerable discount .

Employees Switzerland organise expert seminars on current affairs for board members of the affiliated associations.

Comprehensive service
Employees Switzerland offer their members a wide range of attractive services: negotiation, finalisation and implementation of Collective Bargaining Agreements

• Effective protection and representation (in companies, branches and with the state) 
• Free legal advice (e.g. on working hours, overtime, compensations, dismissal, pay) 
• Counselling in business management and political matters 
• Legal protection: Free legal protection insurance in matters of industrial law; multiple legal protection insurance (civil and road circulation law) for CHF 118.00 per year 
• Training and further education, free of charge or at a considerable discount, in personality, management and working skills; employment policy; economy; pay 
• Subscription to Apunto, the monthly magazine for members 
• Online salary research (currently only for MEM) 
• Legal Advice at a Click and a Learning Programme on the Bilateral Agreements on Employees Switzerland’s website 
• Refund of health insurance payments on supplementary health insurance (selected health insurance companies); reduced fees for insurances covering vehicle, household contents and private liability damages