Working more in order to preserve jobs? Works councils in the Swiss mechanical and electrical engineering industry and the ‘Swiss franc shock’ in 2015

Abstract

AbstractThe Collective Agreement in the Swiss metalworking industry contains a derogation clause widely applied after the appreciation of the Swiss currency in 2015. Management and works council can conclude agreements on a temporary extension of standard working time. This may be a bargaining chip for employees, if works councils are aware about and make use of their negotiating power.