Swiss lawmakers blocked a treaty yesterday that would have seen UBS of Switzerland give US authorities files on thousands of American clients.

By a 101-to-76 margin, Switzerland’s lower house, the National Council, voted against the treaty, which was set to resolve a dispute over UBS’ alleged role in aiding tax evasion. Lawmakers also decided to put any eventual compromise to a popular referendum.

The government and industry groups had urged lawmakers to sign off on the treaty.

“With today’s negative decision the National Council has unfortunately done a disservice to Switzerland’s standing as an economic and financial center,” said the Swiss Bankers Association, which has pushed for the UBS case to be concluded.