There are a million questions that come up during an international move, and one of the most pressing for families is: Where do I send my kids to school? This is no simple question. Finding and vetting schools and arranging enrollment can be a challenge, and the choice of a school can shape a family’s social life and cultural adjustment.
Swiss Women Lose Retirement Benefits; Tram And Auto Collide; Culture Workers Protest Corona Rules
News For 10 November 2020
As part of the reform of the Swiss pension system, or AHV, the Swiss Council of States agreed to raise women's official retirement age to 65. Now, the Swiss Federation of Trade Unions (SGB) is raising the alarm in Bern claiming the change effectively reduces the average pension for a woman by CHF 1,200 per year. In combination with reduced AHV benefits resulting from low interest rates, the SGB claims women are in a precarious financial position during their retirement where the average monthly private pensions are CHF 500-800. The SGB went even further to say that in a time of economic crisis, the reduction in pensions risks abandoning those that are the most needy.
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On Monday afternoon, tram 10 heading in the direction of Arlesheim, struck a car that was caught in the intersection of the road and rail lines. The 74 year-old car driver was injured, and had to be taken to the hospital by a rescue team. A six year old boy who was near the accident was also hospitalized after being struck by a pole that was sent flying by the collision of the tram and the car. Tram service from Arlesheim and Munchenstein was temporarily suspended, and the automobile was completely destroyed. For reasons unknown, the elderly driver, who was backing out of a private driveway failed to see the oncoming tram, causing the incident.
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Last night, artists, musicians and other "cultural workers" formed a kilometer-long human chain from Barfusserplatz to Schifflande to protest what they say are excessive anti-Corona measures that have killed their livelihoods. Ironically, in order to get official approval for the protest, participants agreed in advance to maintain social-distancing and wear masks. Organizers at the protest handed out flyers which informed readers that the latest federal mandates have effectively silenced culture in Basel, and that for many artists, the rules are an existential threat. In addition, signatures were being gathered for a petition to the Federal Council and the government of Basel Stadt to revise event rules which have banned cultural gatherings and to increase financial aid to affected artists.