The European country approved the 13th pension and increased payments: 2,550 euros turned out to be not enough

Historic victory for pensioners in financial matters of the state

In Switzerland, at an annual referendum, citizens voted for the initiative of trade unions to pay an additional pension; this year there will be 13 payments instead of 12. Trade unions called the results of the vote “a historic victory for pensioners.”

Swiss voters award themselves an extra month’s pension each year in a national referendum on the standard of living of older people.

The government has warned that increasing payments will be too expensive for them. But almost 60 percent of voters voted in favor. While 75 percent were against raising the retirement age from 65 to 66 years.

In Switzerland, the maximum monthly state pension is the equivalent of 2,550 euros. This amount, according to many, is not enough to live in the Alpine country.

The cost of living in the Swiss Confederation, especially in cities such as Zurich and Geneva, is among the highest in the world. Health insurance premiums, which are compulsory for everyone, are rising rapidly, and older people sometimes find it difficult to pay them.

Women on maternity leave and immigrants hired decades ago to work in Swiss factories, restaurants or hospitals may find it especially difficult to make ends meet.

“More and more people are working past 70, not by choice, but by necessity. Meanwhile, among the younger generation, the level of work-related stress and emotional burnout is growing,” union representatives note. Their proposal to raise pensions was rejected by the Swiss government, parliament and business leaders, who argued it would not meet the budget.

The new election results contradict what happened before. The fact is that voters in Switzerland often listen to their government’s advice on money matters: a few years ago they actually gave up an extra week of vacation per year.

The Swiss association Avivo, which defends the rights of current and future pensioners, called the result a “historic victory for pensioners.”

“This move brings the state pension into line with the Swiss wage system, which is also paid in 13 installments, meaning that workers receive a double payment in November,” the unions explain the innovation.

The system was originally designed to help people in the run-up to Christmas and their annual tax bill. As Swiss pensioners noted, pensions were also taxed. Another sign that the Swiss believe life should not be all about work is that they overwhelmingly rejected raising the retirement age.

The government has repeatedly stated that these votes will have to be paid for. However, voters, looking at the booming Swiss economy, believe that their country can afford to increase the amount of the payment.