The Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry (FH) is set to leave the Swiss Business Federation, EconomieSuisse, having become dissatisfied with its efforts and position regarding the issue of "Swissness".
The FH board took the decision on February 21. It will leave EconomieSuisse on January 1 2014.
A statement from the FH said: "FH Board members took this decision because they are dissatisfied with the performance and position of EconomieSuisse on the issue of Swissness.
"By failing to support the Federal Council’s proposal for industrial products, which sets at 60% the minimum rate of Swiss value in a Swiss product, EconomieSuisse not only stands in the way of strengthening the protection of this label, but raises the likelihood of it becoming weaker than it is at present."
The FH said EconomieSuisse’s position goes against the interests of the Swiss watch industry and is therefore failing to promote industrial activity and job creation in Switzerland.
Its board will, however, remain open to potential dialogue with EconomieSuisse.
EconomieSuisse says it aims to create an optimal economic environment for Swiss business through the preservation of entrepreneurial freedom for all businesses, to improve Switzerland’s global competitiveness in manufacturing, services, and research. It also aims to promote sustained growth as a prerequisite for a high level of employment in Switzerland.
