Cross-border workers in Switzerland face rising challenges

A new study titled ‘Working Beyond Borders: Conditions, Needs, and Perspectives of Cross-border Workers’ reveals that while high salaries remain the primary driver for Italians commuting to Switzerland, they are no longer sufficient to guarantee a high quality of life.

The research, conducted by OCST and various CISL unions with scientific coordination by BiblioLavoro, surveyed over 1,500 workers. While 73% of respondents expressed satisfaction with their salaries, 48.4% reported a decrease in purchasing power in recent years. The study highlights significant concerns regarding wage disparities, with 55.6% of workers believing they earn less than Swiss residents performing the same tasks.

Additional challenges identified include perceived discrimination due to cross-border status, dissatisfaction with corporate welfare, and the economic and personal toll of long commutes. Workers also expressed a strong need for better work-life balance and increased access to teleworking. The findings suggest that professional recognition, training opportunities, and social protections are becoming as critical as monetary compensation.