Salaries will increase only slightly in 2026; Swiss business leaders met with US president to discuss tariffs; and other news in our roundup this Thursday.
Wage increases will be limited in 2026
Wage negotiations for 2026 are expected to be difficult, according to a survey of Swiss employers carried out by UBS Bank.
It found that high US tariffs will limit Swiss companies’ room for maneuver.
Therefore, nominal wage increases are expected to plateau at around 1 percent, compared to 1.4 percent in 2025.
The IT and telecom sectors are expected to see higher average increases (1.7 percent), while the export-oriented industries like watchmaking are likely to see a much lower hike of only around 0.4 percent.
Swiss business leaders met with Trump to discuss tariffs
Despite the government shutdown, Donald Trump received a business delegation from Switzerland, who flew to Washington to draw the US president’s attention to the toll that the 39-percent tariffs are taking on their companies – and the country’s economy in general.
While the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) had helped prepare the meeting, it was “independent of the Federal Council’s involvement,” it said.
From the US side, Trump wrote on his Truth Social media account that “the meeting was adjourned with the understanding that our Trade Representative, Jamieson Greer, will discuss the subjects further with Switzerland’s Leaders.”
This is the first positive sign that the US president is mellowing regarding the steep customs duties he imposed on Switzerland in August.
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It will become more expensive to dispose of trash in Basel-City
The cantonal government has decided on a complete revision of its waste management ordinance.
To offset the existing deficit in the waste management fund, waste disposal fees iwill be increased – specifically, by raising the prices of the obligatory garbage bags.
From January 1st, 2026, the price of a 35-litre ‘Bebbi’ bag will go up from 2.30 to 2.70 francs; a sticker for bulky waste will cost 5 francs instead of 4.50, and one for green waste, 4.15 francs instead of 3 francs.
Going forward, fees will be reviewed at least every three years and adjusted as needed, cantonal authorities said.
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Switzerland wants the UN to recognise the art of Yodel–ay-HEEE–Oooo
Swiss government put forth yodelling as a candidate for inclusion on UNESCO’s list of intangible cultural heritage.
The UN cultural agency is expected to deliver its decision by year-end.
If it is positive, then this traditional art will join other inherently Swiss forms of cultural expression, such as the Basel Fasnacht, the Winegrowers’ Festival in Vevey, watchmaking, and Alpine pasture season, among others.
READ ALSO: Seven Swiss ‘living traditions’ that may surprise you
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