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.
Swiss authorities announce cost-cutting in asylum sector
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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.
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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
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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.
Swiss study: insects mainly migrate at midday and dusk
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A study led by the Swiss Ornithological Institute in canton Lucerne is helping to better understand the movement patterns of migratory insects.
Red Cross: 22 staff killed in Middle East since October
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The Red Cross and Red Crescent network in Gaza and Israel has lost 22 staff members since last October, the Swiss Red Cross (SRC) said on Wednesday.
Dortmund’s Kobel is first Swiss goalie in Champions League final
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Borussia Dortmund’s Gregor Kobel has achieved history by becoming the first Swiss goalkeeper to reach a Champion’s League final.
University students in Switzerland join Gaza protest wave
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Pro-Palestinian activists occupied university buildings in Lausanne, Geneva and Zurich on Tuesday, widening the protest movement in the Alpine nation.
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