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In Switzerland, a thirteenth salary will be introduced for all pensioners. Called to the polls on Sunday 3rd, Swiss voters in fact said yes in a referendum promoted by the unions with the support of the left. The federal popular initiative “Living your retirement better (Initiative for a 13th AVS monthly payment)” was approved by 58.24% of voters and by a majority of 16 out of 26 cantons.
The initiative enshrines the principle of an additional 13th income in the Constitution, but it will now be up to the government and Parliament to define the exact methods of implementing and financing the reform.
How pensions work in the Federation
Old age and survivor’s insurance (AVS), the first pillar of the pension system, is the foundation of social security in Switzerland. More than 2.5 million pensioners currently receive an AVS pension, according to government data.
For the committee that promoted the initiative, this minimum is no longer guaranteed and the 13th has become “indispensable” with a growing number of pensioners struggling to make ends meet due to the increase in prices.
The highest percentages of votes in favor of the reform proposal were recorded in the cantons of Jura (over 82% Yes), Neuchâtel (78%), Geneva (75%) and Vaud (74%). In Ticino the “Yes” votes are at 71%.