Grütli Union

The organisation initially focussed on education, but later started political activity, playing a leading role in the establishments of trade unions and health insurance.

In 1878 the Union agreed to adopt a socialist platform,[1] although it refused to merge with the Swiss Workers' Federation.

[2] In 1892 some members helped establish the Bauern- und Arbeiterbund party in Basel-Landschaft, and in 1901 the Union merged with the SP, an event known as the "Solothurn Wedding".

In the 1917 elections it won three seats; August Rikli in Bern-Oberaargau, Arnold Knellwolf in Bern-Seeland and Hans Jakob Wirz in Zürich-Süd.

In the 1919 federal elections the Union won two seats in the National Council, gaining representation in Bern and Zürich.