Health tax for cross-border commuters: workers demand that it be abolished

Post on: 17.02.2025

Cross-border workers are ready to fight against the so-called " health tax", introduced by the Italian government and deemed unfair and unconstitutional by the Swiss and Italian trade unions.

The issue is serious; been at the center of the International Assembly of Cross-Border Commuters, held in Varese on 15 February, and was attended by trade unions such as UNIA, VPOD, OCST, SYNA, Syindicom and CGIL, CISL and UIL, as well as political representatives and local administrators.

Health tax: A disputed contribution

The contested rule imposes on " old" cross-border workers, i.e. those who already have worked in Switzerland before the new 2023 tax agreement, an average contribution of 110 euros per month for health financing; border tax

According to the unions, this measure represents double taxation, as the Italy continues to collect 40% of the taxes paid by cross-border commuters in Switzerland, and is now asking for an additional 3-6% of net pay for a health service that workers have already had. funded.

" This tax openly violates the international agreements between Italy and Switzerland", said Giuseppe Augurusa of the CGIL. " We cannot accept that an additional tax is introduced without any legal basis."

The demands: Cancel the Health Tax and review the policies for cross-border commuters

The trade unions have strongly called for the abolition of the health tax and compliance with the Italian-Swiss tax agreement. In addition, they raised other issues that penalise frontier workers, including:

• L indemnity; of NASPI unemployment, provided for by Law 83/2023, which must be equated with the Swiss one, but which is not has yet been applied;
• L' single and universal allowance, the current legislation of which discriminates against cross-border commuters, which is why the Italy è has been placed under the procedure of infringement by the European Commission;
• L' use of the resources of tax rebates, which should guarantee targeted investments in border municipalities.

" We do not only want to cancel this unfair tax, but also to rebuild a model of protection for cross-border workers that is clear, fair and respectful of bilateral agreements" , said Andrea Puglia of the OCST.

The strategy: recourse to justice and institutional pressure

If the Italian government does not withdraw; The health tax, the unions are ready to resort to the courts to raise the question of constitutionality. of the rule. In addition, they intend to intensify the dialogue with the Italian and Swiss institutions, asking for a technical discussion with the ministries involved to find shared solutions.

Marco Contessa of the CISL underlined that " Before we get to the courts, we want to sit down at a technical table to resolve this issue constructively. But if we don't get answers, we are ready to take legal action."

A problem that is still open: the difficulties of application

In addition to the question of legitimacy, there is also a practical problem: the tax should be calculated on the tax data of cross-border commuters, but the Swiss cantons cannot provide this information, since it is not possible to provide this information. The bilateral agreement does not provide for it.

The Italian government has therefore introduced a self-certification mechanism, which however not è Clear n· For workers for the Regions.

" It is a confusing and difficult to apply rule, which risks creating further uncertainties and discrimination" , added Augurusa.

Cross-border commuters ready to mobilize

The cross-border workers' battle against the health tax è only at the beginning. Thanks to the union mobilization, they are already Some results have been achieved, such as the facilitated taxation of some workers who were previously penalized.

However, many open questions remain, and the unions are determined to continue the struggle.

" The Italian government, with unilateral and contradictory acts, is trying to dismantle years of achievements for cross-border workers. We cannot allow this" , the union representatives conclude. " We will continue to defend the rights of those who cross the border every day to work."