Swiss voters have rejected a proposal to introduce a minimum wage of 3,000 Swiss francs per month (4,500 dollars), early results of a referendum held on Sunday showed.
Some 77 per cent of voters cast ballots against the measure, broadcaster SRF reported.
At 25 dollars an hour, it would be the highest minimum wage in the world.
ADVERTISEMENT
The referendum was launched by left-wing parties and trade unions, which argued that such a salary was necessary for making a decent living in Switzerland, where the cost of living is among the highest in Europe.
The government and employers associations had campaigned against the plan, warning that companies would shift operations to neighbouring countries and Switzerland’s important tourism sector would suffer.