Trade unions

Swiss trade unions protect members’ economic and professional interests through collective bargaining, legal advice, political advocacy, and, in limited circumstances, industrial action. Freedom of association protects the right to form and join unions, as well as the right not to join. Union influence varies strongly by sector; it is especially visible where collective employment agreements are important. Compared internationally, Swiss labour relations emphasize social partnership and negotiated solutions, but unions remain central actors in wage policy and worker representation.