Best Employment & Labor Lawyers in Wohlen

About Employment & Labor Law in Wohlen, Switzerland

Employment and labor law in Wohlen is governed primarily by federal Swiss law, with practical administration and some services provided at cantonal and local levels. The main legal texts are the Swiss Code of Obligations for individual employment contracts and the Labour Act for working-time and health and safety rules. In practice, employment relationships in Wohlen are shaped by written contracts, sector collective-bargaining agreements where they apply, social-insurance rules, and decisions from cantonal courts and administrative bodies.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Employment issues often involve rights that can be complicated to enforce. A lawyer can help when you need to:

- Review or negotiate an employment contract before you sign it.

- Respond to or challenge a dismissal - for example if you suspect it was abusive or without proper notice.

- Recover unpaid wages, bonuses, overtime pay, or holiday pay.

- Handle disciplinary procedures, warnings, or threats of termination.

- Pursue claims for workplace discrimination, harassment, or unsafe working conditions.

- Advise on maternity and paternity leave, sick leave and social-insurance entitlements.

- Interpret the scope and effect of collective-bargaining agreements or non-compete and confidentiality clauses.

- Represent you in mediation, administrative proceedings, or court if negotiations fail.

Local Laws Overview

Key legal features relevant to employment in Wohlen include:

- Swiss Code of Obligations - governs the contract of employment, notice periods, probation, dismissal rules, and remedies for abusive dismissal.

- Labour Act - regulates maximum working hours, rest periods, night and Sunday work rules, occupational health and safety for certain sectors and workplaces.

- Social insurance - contributions and benefits for old-age, survivors and disability insurance, unemployment insurance and accident insurance affect both employers and employees.

- Collective-bargaining agreements - some sectors have binding agreements that set minimum pay, overtime rules and other conditions. Check whether your sector is covered.

- Special protections - the law provides special protection against termination in certain circumstances, for example during pregnancy, military service, or when an employee files a legally protected claim. A dismissal that violates these protections may be contestable.

- Local administration and courts - cantonal labour inspectorates enforce Labour Act provisions. Civil employment disputes are typically handled by district courts and cantonal courts, beginning with local courts such as the district court covering Wohlen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my employer in Wohlen dismiss me at any time?

Employers can generally terminate an employment contract subject to notice periods and contractual or statutory protections. However, dismissals that are abusive or that occur during protected periods - for example during pregnancy or military service - may be contestable. Review your contract for probation clauses and notice terms, and seek advice promptly if you suspect an unlawful dismissal.

What notice period applies to my job?

Notice periods depend on your contract and the Swiss Code of Obligations. Many contracts follow standard statutory notice periods after the probationary period. Contracts can agree different terms provided they meet minimum legal standards. Check your written contract and speak to a lawyer if you are unsure.

Do I get paid for unused vacation time after leaving a job?

Yes, when an employment relationship ends you are generally entitled to payment for accrued but unused holiday days. The amount is calculated pro rata for the current year and based on your usual salary. Keep records of vacation requests, approvals and payslips to support a claim.

What counts as overtime and how is it compensated?

Overtime is work beyond your agreed or ordinary working hours. Compensation depends on contract terms, collective agreements and statutory rules. It may be paid as extra pay or compensated by time off. For many employees overtime must be compensated with a higher rate unless otherwise agreed.

What should I do if I experience harassment or discrimination at work?

Report the conduct internally following your employer's procedures if it is safe to do so and keep written records of incidents, communications and any witnesses. Employers have a duty to protect employees and to take reasonable steps to stop harassment. If internal steps fail, you can seek help from a lawyer, a trade union, or a cantonal equality or anti-discrimination office.

Am I entitled to maternity or paternity leave?

Switzerland provides statutory maternity leave; employees on maternity leave are usually entitled to compensated absence for a set period. Fathers have a statutory right to paternity leave for a short period as well. Employers must respect these rights and avoid dismissals that are unlawful during protected periods. Check your entitlements and notify your employer in the required timeframes.

What if I have not been paid my wages?

If your employer does not pay wages, start by putting the request in writing and keep a copy. If there is no response, contact a lawyer, a trade union, or the cantonal authorities for advice. In many cases a formal demand or rapid legal action can secure payment. Acting promptly is important because delay can complicate recovery.

Does a verbal employment agreement count in Switzerland?

A verbal agreement can create an employment relationship under Swiss law, but written contracts are strongly recommended because they provide clearer proof of terms like notice periods, duties and pay. If you have a dispute about a verbal agreement, detailed records, witnesses and payslips can be helpful evidence.

Can my employer require a non-compete clause?

Non-compete clauses are permitted in Switzerland but must meet legal requirements to be enforceable - for example they must be reasonable in scope, duration and geographic reach and must be in writing. If a clause seems excessive it may be challenged in court.

How long do I have to take legal action over an employment problem?

Limitation periods and deadlines vary depending on the type of claim. Some remedies require you to act quickly. For example, contesting certain dismissals or filing claims for unpaid wages may be subject to specific time limits. Because deadlines can be short, seek advice as soon as possible after the issue arises.

Additional Resources

Useful local and national resources and organizations that can help include:

- Cantonal labour inspectorate of Aargau - for questions about working hours, health and safety and statutory labour rules.

- Regional employment offices and unemployment insurance offices - for matters linked to unemployment benefits, job placement and administrative questions.

- Social-insurance compensation offices - for pension, disability and family-insurance questions.

- Trade unions - many offer legal help, advice and representation to members in employment disputes.

- Employer associations - they represent employers and can help with sector practices and collective agreements.

- District courts and cantonal legal aid offices - for pursuing claims and for information on legal aid if you have limited means.

- Private employment lawyers and law firms in Aargau - for individual advice and representation in negotiations, mediation and court.

Next Steps

If you need legal assistance with an employment matter in Wohlen, consider the following practical steps:

- Collect documents - contract, payslips, termination letter, personnel notices, emails, WhatsApp messages, witness names and any medical certificates.

- Review your contract and any applicable collective-bargaining agreement for notice periods, probation rules and special clauses.

- Try to resolve the issue internally first - raise the problem in writing with HR or your manager where appropriate.

- If internal attempts fail or the issue is urgent, contact a lawyer experienced in Swiss employment law or your trade union for an initial consultation. Ask about fees, likely timelines and possible outcomes.

- Check whether you have legal-expenses insurance that can cover part or all of a lawyer s fees.

- Act promptly - employment claims can be subject to short deadlines and taking early steps increases your options for recovery or settlement.

Getting clear, local advice early can help protect your rights and improve your chances of a fair outcome.