Industrial Relations in Switzerland

Abstract

Switzerland and the Scandinavian countries are noted for their low levels of industrial conflict. Thereafter the similarity between the two approaches to industrial relations becomes rather tenuous. The Swiss system of industrial relations is anything but centralised. It demonstrates what many outside observers might consider acute sensitivity to the preservation of individual freedom of choice. To some extent this may be explained in terms of Switzerland's unique form of direct democracy. At the same time, there is evidence that this multi cultural federation with complications of language and religion has achieved a large measure of consensus on the procedural aspects of industrial relations. In this respect, the peace agreement approach first introduced in 1937 has been described by an experienced Swiss mediator as the main pillar of Swiss industrial peace.