The Zürich Administrative Court has nullified the city's plan to implement a municipal minimum wage, citing a violation of cantonal law.

The decision affects both Zürich and Winterthur, where voters had previously approved minimum wage measures.

The court ruled that municipalities cannot interfere in private employment contracts, a stance that aligns with the cantonal constitution, which lacks provisions for a state-mandated minimum wage.

The ruling has sparked disappointment among supporters, including the Zürich Social Democratic Party, which plans to appeal to the Federal Court.

Critics argue that a municipal minimum wage could lead to increased bureaucracy and potential job losses.

The debate highlights ongoing tensions between local governance and overarching legal frameworks in Switzerland.