About Employment Rights Law in Lausanne, Switzerland
Switzerland, known for its high standards of labor laws, ensures every individual's rights. In Lausanne, the same comprehensive labor laws apply and aim to protect employees from unjust treatment. The employment laws cover aspects of work such as working hours, vacations, leaves of absence, sick pay, termination of contracts, minimum wage, and workplace safety among others.
Why You May Need a Lawyer
If you are an employee facing issues such as wrongful termination, workplace harassment, or discrimination, a lawyer can help defend your rights. Similarly, if you are an employer and need to understand the legalities involved in laying off an employee, setting right workplace policies, or dealing with any labor unions, an Employment Lawyer will play a crucial role.
Local Laws Overview
Switzerland federal laws protect the rights of the worker. Notable laws concern the maximum work hours which should not exceed 45 hours for office workers, technical personnel and other employees, including sales personnel in large retailing firms, for all other employees, a maximum of 50 hours. Mandatory vacation is a minimum of 4 weeks per year. For employees aged under 20, it is 5 weeks. Benefits are provided for sick pay, maternity leave, and workers' compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the rules regarding termination of an employment contract?
An employer can terminate an employment contract by giving notice that depends on how long the employee has served. After a probationary period, it extends from one month in the first year of service to three months after that.
2. What should an employee do if they feel discriminated at their workplace?
If an employee feels they are being treated unfairly due to their race, gender, age, or any protected characteristics, they should speak with an employment lawyer immediately to classify the situation and decide the best course of action.
3. What is the minimum wage in Lausanne?
In 2021, Lausanne, located in the Canton of Vaud, introduced a minimum wage of CHF 23 per hour, the highest in Switzerland.
4. Can an employeer reduce an employee's salary?
Yes, however, this would require the employee's written consent or a termination with notice and the offer of a new contract with the altered pay.
5. What rights does an employee have if they're sick?
If an employee is unable to work due to illness, they're entitled to their full salary for a limited period. This period is determined by a scale based on years of service and ranges from three weeks in the first year of service to at least nine weeks from the fifth year of service onwards.
Additional Resources
For more information, you could refer to the Swiss Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER) website, which has comprehensive information about Employment Rights. Additionally, you may also find the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) website extremely helpful, as it lists services including legal advice related to employment rights.
Next Steps
If you need legal assistance related to employment rights, consider seeking legal advice from a lawyer specializing in Swiss employment law. Do sufficient research about the lawyer’s expertise, reputation, fees before choosing one. It would also benefit to consult any trade unions or employment rights organizations for further guidance.
Lawzana helps you find the best lawyers and law firms in Lausanne through a curated and pre-screened list of qualified legal professionals. Our platform offers rankings and detailed profiles of attorneys and law firms, allowing you to compare based on practice areas, including Employment Rights, experience, and client feedback.
Each profile includes a description of the firm's areas of practice, client reviews, team members and partners, year of establishment, spoken languages, office locations, contact information, social media presence, and any published articles or resources. Most firms on our platform speak English and are experienced in both local and international legal matters.
Get a quote from top-rated law firms in Lausanne, Switzerland—quickly, securely, and without unnecessary hassle.
Disclaimer:
The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation.
We disclaim all liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this page. If you believe any information is incorrect or outdated, please
contact us, and we will review and update it where appropriate.
