Trade unions represent the interests of ...

Trade unions are associations of employees. They represent their interests towards the employers.

Common mistakes

A: employers.

Employers have their own associations, for example the Swiss Employers' Association.

D: companies.

Companies are the employers. Their interests are represented by business associations such as Economiesuisse.

Trade unions, associations, NGOs

Besides the parties there are many organisations that stand up for certain groups or topics. They are called associations or interest groups. They talk to the authorities, give their opinion on new laws and take part in voting campaigns. They are an important part of Swiss politics.

Having a say: rights and obligations · Parties, associations and media

Sources

• stadt-zuerich.ch
• zh.ch

Official question of the Canton of Zurich (Gemeindeamt, May 2025). Translation and explanation: Swiss Passport.