Anticipated adjustments in wages and aviation services in Basel for the current year: What's in store
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Hey there! Here's a lowdown on what's shaking in Basel, Switzerland:
(Slightly) Higher Minimum Wage
As of January 1, Basel's minimum hourly wage has bumped up to 22 francs. Though this increase may not seem groundbreaking, it's aligned with Switzerland's meager 0.4% inflation rate. Back in 2022, Basel's minimum wage law made its debut - compared to that, this year's hike is quite the leap.
Maternity Leave Extension
From this January, mothers employed in Basel-City can enjoy longer paid leave before and after giving birth. In addition to the 16 weeks of maternity leave post-delivery, expectant mothers can now take up to three weeks of pregnancy leave before the due date - that's nine weeks of total leave, ladies!
Pricier Parking Fees
Starting this year, Basel becomes the first Swiss city to introduce size-dependent parking fees for resident parking cards. The Basel government aims to bump up fees gradually based on vehicle length, with short car owners paying 332 francs, medium-length owners forking over 422 francs, and long car owners shelling out 512 francs annually. Commuter parking cards will also hike in price - short vehicles will remain at 860 francs, medium-length will reach 950 francs, and long vehicles will set you back 1,040 francs.
Wage Equality Analysis: Basel's Next Move?
In March, the Economic and Tax Committee of Basel's parliament plans to discuss a new cantonal law encouraging local companies with 50 or more employees to perform wage equality analyses. Since 2020, such analyses have been mandatory for companies with 100 or more employees at the federal level. If adopted, Basel's legislation would be pushing the envelope for gender equality in employment.
Celebrate Basel: Basel Fasnacht and Eurovision Song Contest
Mark your calendars for March 10-12: Basel, Switzerland's wildest carnival celebration, the Basel Fasnacht, kicks off at 4 am and continues for three days of revelry. If you're a Eurovision fan, prepare for the 2025 Song Contest in St. Jakobshalle from May 13-17. While some see this event as a waste of public funds, supporters are backing nearly 35 million francs for the spectacle.
Fly Further: Easyjet Expands Basel's Flight Network
Between April and June 2025, Easyjet will be adding more destinations to its Basel EuroAirport flight network. Get ready to explore Iceland's capital twice a week, the island of Djerba in Tunisia, Bilbao in northern Spain, Skiathos in Greece, and the city of Chania on the island of Crete.
For updates on what's coming up in other major Swiss cities, check out the links below:
More Info: What changes can you expect in Zurich this year? | The major changes you can expect in Geneva in 2025.
- In 2025, Basel will host the Eurovision Song Contest, attracting fans worldwide and spending nearly 35 million francs on the spectacle.
- Starting in April 2025, Easyjet will expand Basel's flight network, including destinations like Iceland's capital, Djerba in Tunisia, Bilbao in Spain, Skiathos in Greece, and Chania on the island of Crete.
- In March, a new cantonal law encouraging local companies with 50 or more employees to perform wage equality analyses will be under discussion in Basel's parliament, potentially pushing for greater gender equality in employment.
- As of January 2023, Basel has introduced size-dependent parking fees for resident parking cards, with annual fees ranging from 332 francs for short cars to 1,040 francs for long vehicles.
- From January 2023, mothers working in Basel-City can enjoy extended paid leave, with up to three weeks of pregnancy leave before giving birth and an additional 16 weeks of maternity leave after delivery, totalling nine weeks of leave. Meanwhile, the minimum wage in Basel has risen to 22 francs per hour, with more increases expected in the realm of policy-and-legislation within the industry and politics of finance and general-news.
