Prices of air tickets could see sharp price increases; voters to decide whether collective employment agreements should take precedence over minimum wages; and more Swiss news in our Tuesday roundup.
Travel news: Prices of air tickets could see sharp price increases
Airfares could skyrocket (no pun intended) in 2027, setting new price records.
This upward evolution is due to the surge in jet fuel costs which, like petrol in general, has become more expensive in the past months.
While Ryanair already announced a 20-percent hike in airfares, SWISS airline has not yet revealed what kind of increases lie ahead for its passengers.
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Voters to decide whether collective employment agreements should take precedence over minimum wages
The referendum could change the balance between collective labour agreements (CLAs) and cantonal minimum wage regulations, which had been set as a result of public votes in several cantons.
Following a parliamentary decision in June, minimum wages outlined in CLAs will, in the future, have priority over cantonal minimum wages.
However, opponents of this measure, which include trade unions and left-wing parties, have collected enough signatures on a petition to challenge this proposal by bringing it to the ballot box.
They want to preserve the integrity of minimum wages, independent of CLAs.
The date for the vote as not yet been set.
Right-wingers call for measures against exorbitant taxi fares in Zurich
Taxi rides in Zurich are notoriously expensive, with passengers being charged exorbitant fares for short-distance rides: in one such case reported by the media, a driver asked for 70 francs for a 1.5-km ride.
Therefore, the local chapter of the Swiss People’s Party (SVP) has submitted a motion in the cantonal parliament seeking action against unreasonably high taxi fares.
“Excessive taxi fares damage Zurich’s reputation as a tourist destination,” the motion’s instigators said.
Swiss government sets measures to cut the cost of healthcare
Healthcare in Switzerland is becoming increasingly more expensive, which is reflected in the continually rising price of the health insurance premiums.
On Monday, representatives from various health sectors. including doctors, hospitals, and insurers came up with strategies aimed at controlling costs in several key areas.
The proposed money-saving measures relate to outpatient care, easing congestion in hospital emergency departments, developing care programs for individuals with chronic illnesses, increasing transparency regarding the reimbursement of medical services, coordinating the procurement of medications for nursing homes, and encouraging home-based treatment.
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