Close to 5,500 angry construction workers took to the streets on Saturday 21 October in Switzerland to demand a 150 francs-a-month wage increase.
Employers have refused to agree a general pay rise for the last three years. Demonstrations took place in Olten and Lausanne.
The construction industry is booming, but fewer and fewer labourers are expected to take on more and more work. “It is high time they received their fair share of the results,” said the UNIA trade union. The demonstrators were also seeking an employer contribution towards health insurance premiums and increased meal allowances.
In Olten, UNIA President Vania Alleva told trade unionists: “It is deeply unfair. Construction is flourishing, but for three years the builders leave empty-handed. It must change, and now!”
“It is scandalous that the builders, who work outside in all weathers, and have a difficult and dangerous job, end up with still less money at the end of the month because of the rising cost of living,” Nico Lutz, head of Unia construction, told more than 3,000 demonstrators in Lausanne.
Skilled labourers complain that they no longer receive credit for a job well done. Banners proclaimed: “We build Switzerland”, “a fair salary for hard work!” and “150 francs more. We deserve it!”
