Unternavigation

Associations, both sociopolitical and economic, have had a major influence on politics in Switzerland. In the Swiss ‘social partnership’ (‘Sozialpartnerschaft’), employer organizations work with trade unions to come to agreements over wages, working conditions, and other social issues. Other associations see themselves as charities; they often specialize in specific problems or address particular social risks. They augment, or are an alternative to, welfare state support inasmuch as they provide material aid, counseling, and other support to those in need. Self-help organizations give those who are affected opportunities to represent their concerns and interests; they often resist the tutelage of specialists, politicians, and government, and also often offer counseling services or other aid.