No silver lining on horizon for textile & garment sectors
30 Apr '11
4 min read
In addition, the free trade network must be extended to new markets and modernized rules of origin launched. In the area of employer and social policy, the Textile Federation is opposed to any further strengthening of measures to restrict dismissals, a State guaranteed minimum wage and a statutory obligation to adopt a social plan. This would deprive the Swiss labour market of its flexibility and place it at a disadvantage in international competition.
The attractiveness of occupational training must be enhanced and as far as advanced training is concerned international recognition of vocational training diplomas must be improved. In the area of research and technology the Textile Federation would like to see an increase in the promotional budget of the Commission for Technology and Innovation (KTI). Of the 400 projects which were eligible for assistance in 2010, 24% had to be turned down for lack of sufficient resources. Last but not least, climate policy, liberalization of the power market and implementation of the “CLEANTECH” master plan published by the Federal authorities at the end of 2010 remain important issues for the Textile Federation.
Textile Architecture At the end of the annual media conference, two member companies of the Swiss Textile Federation, Jakob AG and Tersuisse Multifils SA, gave an insight into their spectacular projects in the field of “Textile architecture”.