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ARTICLE · 16 JANUARY 2026

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Labour and Employment Comparative Guide

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Labour and Employment Comparative Guide for the jurisdiction of Switzerland, check out our comparative guides section to compare across multiple countries

SwitzerlandEmployment and HR
Frederic Gabus
Frederic Gabus
Bissane Janho
Bissane Janho

1 Legal framework

1.1 Are there statutory sources of labour and employment law?

Yes. The sources of Swiss labor law are:

  • International law: ratified conventions (notably the ECHR ; RS 0.101, ILO, and AFMP ; 0.142.112.681)
  • Federal Constitution of the Swiss Confederation (RS 101): provides the overall framework and fundamental rights (equality, freedom of association, right to strike) that guide legal interpretation
  • Federal legislation:
    • Swiss Code of Obligations (CO, RS 220) (Arts. 319–362): governs the formation, performance, and termination of employment contracts, including abusive dismissal, fixed-term and indefinite contracts.
    • Labor Act (LA) and ordinances (OLT 1–5): regulate working and rest hours, night and Sunday work, health and safety.

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