Switzerland compared to other countries in Europe, although it has the highest salaries, it also has one of the highest living costs.

In a large number of surveys, Swiss salaries (Gehalt, salaries), both for skilled and unskilled workers, are estimated to be 2 to 3 times higher than those of most European countries. In fact, according to the results obtained in a study carried out by UBS in the year 2000 worldwide, the cities of Zurich and Geneva, in addition to being the Swiss centers of economic development, are the cities with the highest gross pay for any type of profession.

On the other hand, a survey conducted in 2001 by the Federal Statistical Office on income and consumption showed that the average monthly income in a Swiss household for that period was CHF 8,797 (about € 5,700 at the current exchange rate); a figure that at first glance might seem huge, although it also includes total household income: salaries, pensions, interest, private income, assets, among others.

Although it could be said that if we rely on the average of all fields, since the 90’s salaries have experienced a slight increase, in the end, salary levels vary greatly according to the sector; and in this sense, it is in the area of ​​Finance and Insurance where the highest salaries are found.

Situation of wages in Switzerland.

In Switzerland it can be a challenge to determine the most appropriate salary for a profession. Culturally, the Swiss seem to be uncomfortable talking about money or salaries; and in general, wages are not specified in job offers.

Generally, salaries are usually negotiable and it is up to the person to receive a salary according to their training. It is also important to keep in mind that salaries in Switzerland are determined according to seniority, and many Swiss companies are afraid to pay a high salary to someone very young, however qualified they may be.

In Switzerland there is a minimum wage for all jobs and professions. In addition, since the last decade, the public and private sector began to adopt remuneration systems based on people’s performance.

Although Swiss companies are legally obliged to pay the same salary to both men and women, women tend to have a lower salary than men, despite performing the same function, and regardless of how qualified they are.

Every year in November or December, companies usually review salaries, and this review evaluates their rise, which occurs as of January 1 of the following year. Also companies usually give extra pay during the month of December.

Labor Day and Hours.

When you are hired by a company, the working day (Arbeitsstunden, heures de travail) will be reflected in your employment contract (Arbeitsvertrag, contrat de travail) and it will depend on your company, the work you have to perform and the industry to the one that you are going to work.

The maximum working day in Switzerland for a week is 45 hours for people who work in the industry, administrative, technical staff and other employees as employees in large stores. For the rest of the workers, the workday is 50 hours a week.

However, according to a study conducted by the Swiss Federal Statistical Office, in 2002 the average number of hours you worked in Swiss companies was 41.5 hours per week; although in many sectors you can reach up to 60 hours per week.

Regardless of the sector for which you work, it is important to mention that you are likely to work more hours in Switzerland than in your country. In fact, the Swiss strongly believe in working many hours, and have even come to vote on numerous occasions against the reduction of the day.

Schedule. In Switzerland, many companies work with flexible schedules (Gleitzeit, flexible hour), especially in the manufacturing industry. The day is usually divided into blocks, and shifts are defined for employees. The workday usually begins at 7 a.m.

The flexible schedules established by the company must respect the legal framework (vacations, breaks, parties, weekly rest days, the prohibition of working night shifts or Sundays, etc.). In addition, the company must always take into account the needs of the workers, and must consult with their employees before publishing work shifts.

In the case of overtime (Überstunden, heures supplémentaires) they should be understood as hours that exceed the number of hours of work agreed upon, but which are less than the maximum weekly hours legally established. Overtime is usually paid at 125% of the cost of a normal hour of work or vacation time.

HOLIDAYS

According to the law, the right to vacation is a fundamental right that Swiss companies must guarantee to all their employees for each year of work. The minimum duration is determined by law:

4 weeks for workers and apprentices over 20 years.
5 weeks for workers and apprentices under 20 years.

This minimum could be extended in your contract, although most companies only offer a fifth week of vacation to employees who have been in the company for a certain number of years and / or have reached a certain age.

On the other hand, there are certain factors that can reduce the duration of vacations, such as: missing work for a long period either due to illness or having taken a sabbatical without pay, among others.

As a general rule, vacations are guaranteed when an employee is one year old and must include at least two consecutive weeks. So it is also the obligation of companies to pay their employees even if they are on vacation.

We hope you find this information useful and remember that if you need legal assistance in Judgment we have a team of lawyers specialized in labor issues. If you want more information, we invite you to contact us.