Best Employment & Labor Lawyers in Bern

About Employment & Labor Law in Bern, Switzerland

In Bern, Switzerland, Employment and Labor law governs the rights and duties between employers and workers. It includes international labor standards, individual employment contracts, and collective agreements. The Employment Law in Switzerland is; paramount, emphasizing excellent balance and cooperation between employers and employees anti-discriminatory, ensuring equal work for equal pay, and protective, especially of employees’ personal rights, working hours, and health and safety conditions.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

In Employment and Labor matters, you may need a lawyer in situations such as; contractual disputes, unfair dismissal, harassment at work, compliance issues like working hours, overtime, and employee rights, implementation of company policies and dispute resolution mechanisms, and representation in Labor Court for litigation and mediation.

Local Laws Overview

The Swiss Code of Obligations and the Labor Law Act are two critical pieces of legislation. It covers matters like; employment contracts, termination rights, dismissal procedures, working hours, rest periods, minimum wage, leave entitlements, workplace safety, protection from workplace discrimination and harassment, and collective labor laws such as union rights and collective bargaining.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the standard working week in Bern?

The standard working week in Bern is 45 hours for industrial workers, office staff, technical personnel, and other employees, including domestic help.

2. What are the provisions for leave entitlements in Bern?

Both part-time and full-time workers are entitled to at least four weeks of leave per year. For those under the age of 20 years, this increases to five weeks.

3. How is wrongful termination handled in Bern?

A wrongful termination claim can initiate if an employee believes they were unjustly fired. Employers must provide a legitimate reason for dismissal, and an employee has the right to challenge this.

4. What rights do employees have against workplace discrimination?

Employees in Bern are protected by law against any form of discrimination based on race, gender, age, religion, or nationality. If discrimination occurs, they can take legal action.

5. Are unions legal in Switzerland and specifically in Bern?

Yes, unions are legal, and collective bargaining is practiced extensively in Switzerland and Bern. Workers have the right to form and join trade unions.

Additional Resources

The State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) is a useful resource for available labor legal information. The Swiss Federal Department of Home Affairs (FDHA) is the go-to resource for issues relating to labor and employment at a national level.

Next Steps

Getting in touch with a local Employment and Labor lawyer is vital. They can provide you with professional advice tailored to your specific circumstances. Reach out to SECO or the Bern Employment and Labor Courts for assistance.