The collective employment agreement (CEA) for Switzerland’s mechanical and electrical engineering industries guarantees the employees of the signatory companies good and modern working conditions. In return, they commit to uphold absolute industrial peace. This means that operations may not be disrupted by any form of industrial action. Industrial peace is a key advantage for Switzerland as a location for industry. It can tip the balance in investment decisions in favour of choosing Switzerland as a base.
The CEA for the MEM industries thus contributes to the positive progress of these industries and to the welfare of the employees and employers who form their backbone. Pivotal to this is the principle of good faith. This obligates the contractual parties to recognize and show empathy for each other’s interests.
The current CEA for the MEM industries came into effect on 1 July 2023 and is valid until 30 June 2028.
Swissmem currently has over 1,300 member companies, almost 40% of which are also members of the ASM and thus subject to the collective employment agreement (CEA). Membership of the ASM and thus joining the CEA are voluntary for companies.
