Swiss voters reject move to pay world’s highest minimum wage

Switzerland's voters have, in a referendum, overwhelmingly rejected a proposal to introduce what would have been the highest minimum wage in the world.

In the finl tally, 687, 347 or 23.7 per cent of the votes were in favour of raising the wages, with 2,208,728 or over thrice the number (76.3 per cent) rejecting it. 55.5 per cent of the  Swiss population participated in the referendum.

Under the plan, employers would have had to pay workers a minimum 22 Swiss francs (about $25) an hour

Supporters said the move was necessary for people to live a decent life; but critics argued that it would raise production costs and increase unemployment.

The minimum wage proposal was rejected by 76 per cent of voters. Supporters had argued it would "protect equitable pay", but the Swiss Business Federation said it would harm low-paid workers in particular.

The issue was the most prominent of several referendums held on Sunday.

Swiss reject indigenous Gripen fighters
A controversial plan to buy 22 Swedish-made Gripen fighter jets for the Swiss Air Force was narrowly rejected by 53 per cent of voters.

Meanwhile, 63 per cent of voters backed a plan to impose a lifelong ban on convicted paedophiles from working with children.

But it was the trade union-backed proposal to ensure that nobody's annual salary was less than $53,600 a year that provoked the most debate.

Seven referendums have been held in Switzerland during 2014, with further referendums planned for 28 September, and 30 November. Last year 11 national referendums were held in the Alpine country.