According to BBC News, 76% of Swiss voters rejected a proposal to introduce the highest minimum wage in the world in a referendum. Thus, they were asked whether they agree that employers would pay workers a minimum 22 Swiss francs (18 euros) an hour.
Supporters said the move was necessary for people to live a “decent life”. They said it is quite problematic to live on the amount less than 4,000 Swiss francs in some cities of the country such as Zurich, Bern, and Geneva. People who are pro wage increase also claimed that the current Swiss social security system is under pressure having to subsidize businesses that pay low wages.
Meanwhile, opponents of the proposal, including the Swiss government, insisted that life standards in Switzerland are high as it is and a jobless rate is low. Employment would decline in case the new minimum wage is introduced. Small businesses, particularly farmers, also expressed dissatisfaction saying wages of more than 4,000 Swiss francs would be ruinous.
Currently, Switzerland is one of few countries in Europe with no minimum wage law. In neighboring Germany it will be 8.5 euros per hour in 2017.