Trade union umbrella group Travail Suisse is to launch a people's initiative calling for a statutory six weeks off for every employee.

Delegates at the group's annual meeting voted in favour of the move, which is aimed at allowing people to achieve a better work-life balance.

Travail Suisse said that the collection of signatures would start in mid-January 2008. In all, 100,000 signatures are needed within 18 months before the initiative can come to a nationwide vote.

It first announced its intention to lobby in favour of increased holidays last June. The union group believes that workers have an increased workload compared with 20 years ago and experience more job-related stress.

The initiative foresees the six-week leave period being set down in the Swiss constitution. Swiss workers are by law entitled to four weeks' paid holidays, but in reality most have around five.

Employers' associations have already voiced their opposition to the move.

Delegates also called for 20 days paternity leave, fairer salaries and for all employees to have to right to job training.

Travail Suisse is celebrating its fifth anniversary this year.

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