Swiss tilers can now retire at 62

By the end of next year, Swiss tilers will be able to retire as early as the age of 62. The social partners in the tiling trade for German-speaking Switzerland have decided to introduce early retirement. The employers’ association Ceruniq gave its approval at its representative assembly on Friday, 19th of June 2026. The trade unions Unia and Syna had already given their consent. This means that early retirement will apply to tilers throughout Switzerland in future. 

Early retirement was agreed as part of the new national collective labour agreement (LGAV), which the Ceruniq delegates approved by an overwhelming majority at their assembly in Brunnen. The tiling sector in German-speaking Switzerland will therefore join Resor, the early retirement fund for the building trade in French-speaking Switzerland, from 2027. It is expected that, as early as 1 October 2027, the first tilers aged 62 and over will receive a bridging pension until they reach the standard retirement age. Until now, tilers in German-speaking Switzerland have only been able to retire at the age of 65. 

Konrad Imbach, President of Ceruniq, is delighted with the clear result of the vote: “Early retirement enables us to boost the appeal of our sector in the face of the skills shortage.” Early retirement provides incentives to retain well-trained and experienced older employees within the sector. Konrad Imbach adds: “This ensures that a wealth of specialist knowledge is retained and can be passed on to the next generation of professionals.” 

The decisive factor in adopting the solution used in French-speaking Switzerland was the positive experience of the tiling trade in Romandy, as well as that of the sections in Ticino and both Basel cantons, which have been part of Resor for some time. For Andreas Furgler, managing director of Ceruniq, the model represents an important milestone: “The tiling trade now has a uniform early retirement model across Switzerland, which makes us unique. This solution is also an expression of appreciation for the long-serving, loyal employees in our sector.”

Retiring earlier on better terms
From the trade unions’ point of view, the introduction of early retirement is a major step forward. “Thanks to early retirement, tilers can retire in good health,” says Kaspar Bütikofer, sector secretary at Unia. “Early retirement gives them the opportunity to decide for themselves when to retire.” And Guido Schluep, central secretary of the Syna trade union, adds: “With this collective agreement, we are creating genuine planning security. Anyone who wishes to retire early can now do so – without having to accept any financial losses. This is the result of tenacious negotiations and shows what the sector can achieve for its people.” 

The National Collective Labour Agreement (LGAV) and Resor are due to come into force at the start of 2027. An application for universal applicability will be submitted to the Federal Council.