The Swiss Builders Association (SBA) decisively rejects the so-called Sustainability Initiative with its rigid population cap. It is particularly critical of the planned system change towards quotas and maximum numbers for all forms of immigration, which would also affect qualified foreign workers. Immigration quotas inevitably mean more bureaucracy. Companies would have to navigate cumbersome approval procedures and wait longer for qualified employees. There are fears of distribution conflicts between industries and regions, likely to the detriment of the construction sectors.
Despite local support, the construction sector remains dependent on EU specialists.
Swiss construction companies place great importance on training apprentices from their region and specifically further training long-term construction workers. Nevertheless, due to the skills shortage, immigration plays a central role in recruiting workforce for the construction industry, as it improves the availability of workers. The proportion of foreign workers on Swiss construction sites has remained constant at around two-thirds for many years, despite great efforts in local promotion. The vast majority come from the EU, especially from Portugal, Italy, Germany, France, and Spain.
Don’t endanger essential relations with the EU.
Furthermore, the initiative poses significant risks to the stable and essential relations with the EU for the Swiss economy. As the most important trading partner, the EU is closely intertwined with the Swiss labour market and value chains. Interventions in free movement of persons could put existing bilateral agreements under pressure and significantly worsen planning security for companies. The construction sector, in particular, relies on reliable framework conditions, functioning supply chains, and open markets.
Investments in housing and infrastructure are crucial.
The SBA rejects the initiative because it manages symptoms but does not solve the causes. Housing shortages, congestion, and overloaded infrastructure are not tackled with new recruitment hurdles, but with faster procedures, investments, and sufficient skilled workers.
Press contact:
Matthias Engel, Media Spokesperson SBA
Tel. 058 360 76 35, matthias.engel@baumeister.ch
Jacqueline Theiler, Head of Communications SBA
Tel. 058 360 76 42, jacqueline.theiler@baumeister.ch