Its policy, more conservative than that of the Vorort, included measures to protect the domestic market, particularly important at the end of the 19th century, such as raising customs duties.
The USAM presides the Alliance of Economic Circles for a moderate prevention policy, a Swiss lobby that advocates a conciliatory legislation in terms of health regulations, particularly in the areas of tobacco and alcohol.
[3] USAM members include cantonal unions of arts and crafts, professional and industry associations and other organizations.
The Union calls for a reduction in the burden on transport [8] companies and opposes the extension and the increase of the Heavy Vehicle Fee (HVF).
On 13 April 1994, the Federal Council rejected the initiative, considering that it threatened social peace and that the introduction of VAT had already met the Union's wishes.
The Union is in favour of a single rate for Value Added Tax (VAT), but is opposed to vocational training being subject to it.
[14] The Swiss Union of Arts and Crafts is the umbrella organization for 266 associations representing small and medium-sized businesses[15] in 2009.
Its policy and long-term orientations are determined by the Swiss Congress of Arts and Crafts, which brings together about a thousand delegates[16] every two years.
A steering committee of fifteen people implements the Union's policy, so the Bern office manages the day-to-day business.