Voters will decide on the pension fund reform on September 22
Published: Wednesday, May 15th 2024, 11:10
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The Swiss electorate will vote on the occupational pension reform on September 22. This was decided by the Federal Council on Wednesday. An alliance of opponents of the pension fund reform passed by parliament had submitted a referendum in June 2023.
Opposition to the BVG reform comes from the Swiss Federation of Trade Unions (SGB), the SP and the Greens, among others.
By amending the Federal Law on Occupational Retirement, Survivors' and Disability Pension Plans, the Swiss parliament wants to make occupational pension provision fit for the future. Due to the ageing of society, pension funds have recently had to spend more money on financing current pensions than had previously been saved by employers and employees.
The conversion rate for calculating pensions is to fall from 6.8% to 6.0%. According to parliament's plans, this will be offset by a supplement to the pension for part of a transitional generation.
Three further proposals ready to be voted on
In addition to the BVG reform, the people will also vote on the "For the future of our nature and landscape (biodiversity initiative)" initiative on September 22. It was launched in September 2020 by Pro Natura, Bird Life Switzerland, the Swiss Heritage Society and other organizers.
According to its supporters, the biodiversity initiative aims to strengthen the protection of nature, the landscape and Switzerland's architectural heritage as a joint task of the Confederation and the cantons. It aims to ensure that the necessary areas and resources are available to safeguard endangered biodiversity.
Meanwhile, three other referendums will not be put to the vote on 22 September: the referendum against the so-called monism bill, which provides for uniform financing of outpatient and inpatient care (Efas), the expansion of the highways approved by Parliament and a double referendum against the adjustments to tenancy law decided in the 2023 autumn session.
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