Swiss voters have overwhelmingly rejected a proposal to introduce what would have been the highest minimum wage in the world in a referendum. Under the plan, employers would have had to pay workers a minimum 22 Swiss francs (about $25; £15; 18 euros) an hour. Supporters said the move was necessary for people to live a decent life. But critics argued that it would raise production costs and increase unemployment. The minimum wage proposal was rejected by 76% of voters. Supporters had argued it would “protect equitable pay” but the Swiss Business Federation said it would harm low-paid workers in particular. The issue was the most prominent of several referendums held on Sunday.
Critics of the proposed $2.8bn purchase of the jets made by Saab say that it requires cost cuts in other key policy areas such as education
A controversial plan to buy 22 Swedish-made Gripen fighter jets for the Swiss Air Force was narrowly rejected by 53% of voters.
Meanwhile, 63% of voters backed a plan to impose a lifelong ban on convicted paedophiles working with children.
But it was the trade union-backed proposal to ensure that an annual salary was not less than £32,000 ($53,600) a year that provoked the most debate.
Full Article: BBC News – Switzerland rejects world’s highest minimum wage.