Speakers called for higher salaries, pension benefits and increased efforts to achieve equal pay between men and women, as well as a more environmentally-friendly policy and a fairer society.
Big rallies and marches took place in major cities, notably Zurich, Geneva, Basel and the capital, Bern, to celebrate May 1.
Police said the festivities in Zurich, which drew 16,000 people, were marred by extremists lighting flares and damaging buildings and vehicles.
Traditionally trade union leaders, left-wing politicians and activists participate in Labour Day rallies.
Interior Minister Alain Berset, a member of Social Democratic Party, addressed a meeting in the town of Solothurn, while his party colleague, Transport Minister Simonetta Sommaruga, paid a visit to a child care centre in Fribourg.
Labour Day is only a public holiday in certain regions of Switzerland as the 26 cantons have widespread autonomy from the national authorities.
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Why demonstrate on May 1?
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May 1 has for 130 years been a day for workers’ rights and social justice. Times have changed, but there are still workers’ demands.
Train vs plane: would you take a direct train between London and Geneva?
Eurostar is planning to run direct trains from Britain to Germany and Switzerland from the early 2030s. Would you favour the train over the plane? If not, why not?
Ex-employee of Bank Pictet convicted of money laundering
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The Geneva-based bank Pictet has been fined CHF2 million for shortcomings in its organisation which enabled a former asset manager to commit serious money laundering.
20 Minuten: last Swiss free daily to stop being printed
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The Swiss population is in favour of compulsory military service and closer ties with NATO. These are the findings of the "Security 2025" study.
Irregular migration to Switzerland halves year-on-year
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Irregular migration to Switzerland has decreased significantly. The figures from January to May show that only half as many illegal stays were recorded compared to the same period last year.
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The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is to cut around 3,500 jobs as a result of financial cuts linked in particular to US decisions. Hundreds of temporary contracts will also be cut, the UN agency said in Geneva on Monday.
Swiss government to help cantons in expelling rejected asylum-seekers
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The federal government is to provide greater relief and support to the cantons when it comes to deporting people who are not entitled to asylum in Switzerland.
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One in four people in Switzerland feels stressed often or almost always. Among the under-30s, the figure is as high as 40%.
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The permafrost in the Swiss Alps is thawing faster and faster. The thawed top layers of permafrost have never been as thick as they were last year. This is shown by the latest data from the Swiss permafrost monitoring network Permos.
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