The guests in the «Voting Arena»
Open box
Box zuklappen
The supporters:
Opposing the proposal are:
“Miserable, abysmal” on the one hand and “good compromise” on the other. The choice of words in the discussion about the BVG reform could hardly be more different and shows how controversial the revision of the 2nd pillar is.
For Interior Minister Elisabeth Baume-Schneider, this is already the fourth Arena appearance this year. In the “voting arena” on the BVG reform, she represents the yes slogan and thus the position of the Federal Council and Parliament. “It is not possible to pass a magic reform,” the Federal Councilor explains at the beginning. In addition, it is uncertain how long a new compromise will take.
This reform is inedible and must go back to the kitchen.
SP Council of States member Flavia Wasserfallen does not see this as a compromise. The Bernese describes this reform as “miserable” and “terrible”. “This reform is inedible and must go back to the kitchen,” says Wasserfallen in a metaphor. She particularly regrets that no solution could be found for the pension gaps for women. The unpaid work that is largely carried out by women is not taken into account in this proposal.
Do women benefit from this reform?
GLP Vice President Melanie Mettler takes a completely different view: “This reform closes many pension gaps and corrects an injustice.” In the future, part-time workers and those with multiple jobs will be better insured. This will particularly benefit women, who are often excluded from the second pillar today.
Daniel Lampart, chief economist of the Swiss Federation of Trade Unions, is worried about people’s pensions. The pensions of those on middle incomes in particular would fall. Lampart accused the proponents in the studio of using this reform to push through a reduction in pensions for people who have worked all their lives. Federal Councillor Baume-Schneider countered and pointed out that employees in low-wage sectors would be better off.
This reform is a response to the lowest wages and part-time work.
Disputed employers
Diana Gutjahr, SVP National Councillor, and Urs Pfäffli, President of Gastro Canton Zurich, are also representing the employers’ side in the “Arena”. As a board member of the Swiss Trade Association, the Thurgau native supports this proposal and puts forward the argument of older employees.
We take on social responsibility. I am prepared to pay more so that I can help my employees get a better pension.
According to the Thurgau native, the reform improves their employability. It will be more attractive for employers to keep older employees until they retire or to hire new ones. However, employers will have to pay additional pension contributions for their employees. “We are taking on social responsibility. I am prepared to pay more so that I can help my employees get a better pension,” says Gutjahr.
Urs Pfäffli is concerned about the situation of younger people. There are many younger employees in the catering industry in particular. They need the money for further training, but due to the BVG reform they have to pay high contributions at a young age.
The vote on the reform of occupational pensions is also of interest to the SRF community. Sandro Brotz confronted the politicians in the “Voting Arena” with their questions and comments.
Responses to community questions and comments
On September 22, the Swiss electorate will have the final say at the ballot box.
