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It follows the launching of a “trade war” by Brussels as it tries to force the Alpine country to accept EU laws. “The EU commission is playing a dangerous game which could bring a new crisis in the heart of one of the most dynamic economic areas the EU has,” warned Luca Cirigliano, Head of the International Department of the Swiss Trade Union Confederation, last night. Switzerland, which prides itself on its high wages and good working practices, voted by referendum not to join the EU, European Economic Area (EEA) or be subjected to European Court of Justice rule. In return for Freedom of Movement, Brussels agreed to a set of 70 bespoke deals.

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But EU companies pressured for change against a law which allows Switzerland an eight-day grace period before accepting a foreign worker to ensure domestic salaries aren't being undercut.

Though the Swiss Government agreed to a deal which would allow ECJ rule, it suffered the same fate as Theresa May’s Withdrawal Agreement when it was rejected by parliament and its federal cantons.

“It was always clear for us, as one the countries with the highest wages and living costs in the world, we need some sort of protection for Swiss employees against social and wage dumping. By protecting EU workers here from exploitation we protect our whole labour market,“ said Mr Cirigliano.

“This was affirmed by direct democratic referendum and the EU Commission was perfectly fine with our laws for two decades.”

He added: “The Commission is being very ideological. They don’t seem to understand the peculiarities of the Swiss direct democracy.

“Threats and illegal sanctions will only have one result: voters will become more and more EU-sceptical and the worst scenario could be a “Swissexit” next year, when we will vote on abolishing the bilateral agreements with the EU.