On Wednesday, 11th December 2019, The Great Council of Bellinzona approved the law which introduces the minimum salary level for all workers in Canton Ticino.
The provision establishes a gradual and progressive increase in minimum wage levels from CHF 19.75 to CHF 20.25 per hour over four years. This increment involves about 13k workers, 60% of which are cross-border workers. The costs for companies have been calculated at around CHF 5 million per year. This measure is meant to discourage the employment of cross-border labor, whose presence in the Italian Canton is significantly influencing public opinion and is fueling political debate.
Nevertheless, it cannot be excluded that this law becomes subject of a popular referendum, due to the potentially negative consequences, such as the progressive reduction of residents’ salary.