Working in Switzerland - Employment of women

Introduction

Since 1981 the Swiss Federal Constitution has provided that "men and women shall have equal rights" and that they are "entitled to equal pay for equivalent work". However, imbalances, especially in terms of fair pay, remain notwithstanding the entry into force in 1996 of the Federal Law on Equality of Women and Men. For example, a survey by the Federal Statistical Office (BFS) in 2000 showed that there were still substantial differences in remuneration between men and women with equivalent vocational qualifications. Men earned 21.5% more than women in the private sector, while the difference in pay in the Federal Administration was less than 10%.

What the law says

The Federal Law on Equality of Women and Men, which took effect on 1 July 1996, applies to all areas of working life, from recruitment to dismissal, including continuing vocational training, remuneration and also sexual harassment in the workplace. 

Specifically, the Law prohibits any direct or indirect discrimination on the basis of sex and includes a number of measures to combat this phenomenon. The Law also provides for the establishment of arbitration bodies under the control of the cantons. The function of these bodies is to advise the parties and assist them in reaching agreement.

As regards worker protection, women enjoy the same rights as men. In addition, special provisions apply to pregnant women and nursing mothers.

The Federal Office for Equality of Women and Men

Established by the Federal Council in 1988, the Equality Office exists to promote the achievement of equal rights between the sexes in all fields and to work towards the elimination of all forms of sexual discrimination. 

Since the Office is particularly active in the area of equal pay and opportunities in working life, it could be your first port of call if you encounter problems of this kind.

Source: European Union
© European Communities, 1995-2006
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