Two week paternity leave on cards after initiative withdrawn
A proposal to introduce a four-week statutory paternity leave in Switzerland will not go to a nationwide vote after all. But parliament has already agreed a compromise to allow new fathers two weeks off work in future.
Campaigners on Wednesday said they had decided to withdraw their people’s initiative, which had attracted enough signatures from the public to force a vote. The move comes after parliament last month agreed a compromise reform including a two-week paternity leave.
This compromise solution can now be implemented with the withdrawal of the initiative.
Supporters of the initiative explained their u-turn by arguing that their proposal had succeeded in triggering a broad discussion in society about family policy. In addition, the group wants to support efforts to introduce a so-called statutory parental leave, to be split mothers and fathers.
The initiativeExternal link “For reasonable paternity leave – for the benefit of the whole family”, launched by a broad alliance of trade unions, family, men’s and women’s groups, was submitted to the federal authorities with about 130,000 signatures. Both parliament and the government had recommended rejection of the initiative.
It wasn’t until 2005 that statutory maternity leave was introduced in Switzerland – a full six decades after the benefit was enshrined in the country’s constitution.
Swiss climate activists block vehicles near Gotthard tunnel
This content was published on
Around ten climate activists briefly blocked the A2 motorway near the northern entrance of the Gotthard tunnel on Thursday.
Watches belonging to Michael Schumacher up for auction
This content was published on
Schumacher's family is auctioning off eight rare watches from his collection in Geneva. The Christie's auction will take place on Monday.
Joya Marleen and Baschi named best solo acts at Swiss Music Awards
This content was published on
St. Gallen singer Joya Marleen and Baschi from Basel were named artists of the year at the Swiss Music Awards 2024 on Wednesday night.
Swiss authorities announce cost-cutting in asylum sector
This content was published on
The government notably wants to improve integration into the labour force, particularly for people with protection status S.
Various leaders confirm participation at Ukraine peace conference
This content was published on
The presidents of Poland, Finland, and Latvia and the prime ministers of Spain and Belgium will be at the Swiss-hosted talks in mid-June.
This content was published on
In the winter season up to April 2024, railway and cable car operators ferried 3% more visitors compared to the previous winter, and 5% more than the five-year average.
Rhine flooding: Swiss to invest CHF1 billion with Austria
This content was published on
As part of an international agreement with Austria, the Swiss government wants to pump CHF1 billion ($1.1 billion) into flood protection measures along the Rhine over the next three decades.
Swiss government proposes CHF10 million UNRWA donation
This content was published on
After months of debate, Switzerland plans to give CHF10 million ($11 million) to the UN agency this year, rather than the CHF20 million initially foreseen.
Paternity leave takes a step forward in Senate vote
This content was published on
The question of paternity leave passed a first milestone in the Swiss parliament on Thursday as the Senate voted in favour of two weeks paid leave.
Paternity leave initiative passes the signature stage
This content was published on
The popular initiative to introduce paid paternity leave has crossed another milestone, as government confirmed that the required number of signatures has been reached.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.