By approving a minimum rate of 60% of Swiss value for industrial products, the National Council is protecting jobs in Switzerland. The Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry FH, which includes more than 500 small, medium and large-scale enterprises, applauds this decision which has important ramifications for the Swissness project. Rather than relocating in ever greater numbers to China, Switzerland needs jobs in Switzerland.
With its decision of 15 March, the National Council is helping the FH to consolidate its 50,000 jobs in Switzerland, which include 1,000 apprenticeship places. With regard to industrial products, and watches in particular, the National Council has confirmed in the Swissness project that at least 60% of the cost price must be produced in Switzerland. Henceforth, research and development costs can also be taken into account.
Today, watches produced almost entirely in China are sold legally under the Swiss made label. This is an abuse that the present decision seeks to address. In the context of parliamentary deliberations, the 60% rule is therefore also opposed by firms that have 90% (!!!) of their jobs in Asia. This must change. Many small, medium and large-scale enterprises affiliated to the FH are determined to maintain the existence of an industrial fabric of manufacturers and subcontractors in Switzerland. A strong and credible Swiss trademark creates jobs for watch manufacturers and subcontractors throughout the value creation chain, and this will allow production in Switzerland to be developed and strengthened over the long term.
A well protected Swiss trademark also prevents foreign companies from buying Swiss watch manufacturers, relocating production to low-wage foreign countries and, despite everything, legally offering their products for sale under the Swiss made label. Implementation of the Swissness project will not prevent the labour process from taking its course in countries where wages are lower, or the import of spare parts from such countries. However the Swiss made label must no longer be abused.
The project now goes before the Council of States. The FH is convinced that the National Council has made the right decision and will continue to make its voice heard throughout the remainder of the legislative process in order to secure the long-term protection of jobs in Switzerland.
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