As countries around the world try to find new ways to combat the economic consequences of the ongoing pandemic, Geneva has drawn up a plan.
The Swiss city, which has suffered a major blow to tourism as a result of the coronavirus, has decided to introduce a new monthly minimum wage of almost 00 3,500, making it the highest minimum wage in the world.
Local unions and left-wing parties in Geneva proposed the new minimum wage, which was approved by the city's 500,000 voters in a referendum, or 58% of the people.
The same proposal was rejected in 2014 and 2011.
The change in public opinion seems to have come after the financial crisis caused by the pandemic.
It is estimated that around 30,000 low-wage workers will benefit from the new wage bill, who will see the new tariff be slightly less than £ 19.50, almost twice as high as neighboring France.
More than 300,000 Swiss workers live across the border in France because costs are much lower.
Michel Charat, from the European Cross-Border Group, told the Telegraph:
"Covid showed that a certain part of the Swiss population cannot live in Geneva. 4,000 Swiss francs per month (£ 3,362) is the minimum to stay above the poverty line ”, adding that rent often costs more than 2,000 Swiss francs per month.
Ahead of the vote, which took place on Sunday 27 September, Alexander Eniline, of the Swiss Labor Party, said:
"Setting a minimum wage is a basic requirement of justice and an essential measure against insecurity."
Geneva is currently ranked as the third most expensive city in the world, right after Zurich and Ashgabat.
Source: Unilad
