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.

Trade unions represent employees. They campaign, for example, for fair wages and good working conditions. Examples are Unia and the Swiss Trade Union Federation. On the other side are the employers' associations. Economiesuisse is the umbrella organisation of the Swiss economy and represents companies. For small businesses and crafts there is the Swiss Trade Association (Gewerbeverband).

There are also non-governmental organisations, NGOs for short. They work independently of the state. Amnesty International campaigns worldwide for respect for human rights, for example against torture and the death penalty. Other NGOs deal with the environment, climate, biodiversity or animal welfare, for example WWF or Pro Natura.

Memory aid: Trade union = for those who work. Economiesuisse = «economy»: for companies.