Mixed response to Swiss home office regulation proposal

Criticism from the left of the home office regulation proposal Keystone-SDA

A proposal by a parliamentary committee for new regulations on working from home has met with majority approval. However, strong criticism and rejection come from the left-wing political camp.

The proposal by the House of Representative’s Committee for Economic Affairs and Taxation provides for more freedom to work from home. Specifically, the maximum working hours range is to be increased from 14 to 17 hours and occasional work assignments on Sundays are to be permitted. The minimum rest period is also to be reduced from eleven to nine hours.

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The bill is supported by the political centre and right wing, as well as the Swiss Employers’ Association. The Social Democrats and the Greens are against the proposal. The consultation ended on Tuesday.

The main argument of the proponents is the outdated labor law, which does not respond to the changing needs of the economy and society. The opponents are concerned about the psychological health of employees.

Adapted from German by DeepL/ac

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