Some Swiss companies adopt Donald Trump’s anti-equality practices, and the important issues on Switzerland’s political agenda — these are among the news that The Local reported this week. You can catch up on everything in this weekly roundup.
Major Swiss companies bow to US demands of less equality
Several months before the US president imposed the 39-percent tariffs on Swiss imports, he had demanded that foreign companies which do business in the United States abandon their inclusion, equality, and diversity (DEI) practices.
UBS Bank, as well as pharmaceutical giants Roche and Novartis are among companies that have heeded this call, abolishing specific targets for the advancement of women and minorities, and removing any mention of DEI goals from their websites.
READ ALSO: Swiss companies give in to Donald Trump’s anti-diversity demands
What issues will be making news in Switzerland this autumn?
There is a number of important issues on the political agenda for the coming months.
Among them: the question of the 39-percent trade tariffs imposed on Switzerland by the United States — or, rather, how to negotiate a better deal.
Other hot-button topics include the purchase of the new fighter jets from the US, as well as issues to be voted in a referendum in September, including the controversial electronic identity card.
READ ALSO: The big political issues at stake in Switzerland this autumn
Advertisement
French children are no longer welcome in Geneva schools.
Geneva authorities announced that starting with the 2026 school year, children from the neighbouring areas of France will no longer be allowed to attend Geneva schools.
On one hand, this move is intended to save 28 million francs that are spent each year on cross-border students, and on the other, it is in line with the law requiring children to attend schools in the communities where they live.
Nevertheless, the decision is sparking strong opposition on the French side of the border, mobilising politicians and parents against this move.
READ ALSO: Geneva to ban students living in France
Advertisement
Tighter rules are introduced for smokers at train stations
The national railway company, SBB, is testing stricter rules for smokers at five rail stations, where numerous complaints are made related to smoking and cigarette butts.
Now, the SBB put up new posters in large print to remind passengers of the smoking ban.
At the same time, ashtrays have been removed or were sealed off from waste bins.
After a six-month test period, these measures will be enacted at other stations as well.
READ ALSO: What are the rules on smoking at Switzerland’s train stations?
Moves towards rent and work concessions during hot weather
Heatwaves have been increasingly more frequent in recent years, so the Green Party wants the government to implement special measures to protect the population during future hot spells.
It has worked out a 26-point ‘Heatwave Plan’ especially for this purpose.
The plan goes beyond the current statuary measures, which the party wants the government to implement during future spells of extreme weather.
READ ALSO: Calls for lower rent and less work during heatwaves in Switzerland
Advertisement
Some employees in Switzerland will earn more in 2026
Workers in certain sectors can expect to receive an average real wage increase (that is, adjusted for inflation) of 0.8 percent.
Others are likely to get even more, like those in the construction industry – by around 1.7 percent.
This is due to the shortage of skilled employees in this sector, as well as a strong union representing these workers.
Employees in the hospitality, pharmaceutical, and financial sectors can also look forward to above-average wage increases.
READ ALSO: Which jobs in Switzerland will see wages rise in 2026?
