Trade unions SGB calls for expansion of health protection in the workplace
The Swiss Federation of Trade Unions is calling on the federal government and the cantons to take stronger measures to protect health in the workplace. At its annual media conference on Tuesday, it also called for substantial wage increases.
03.02.2026, 11:31
SDA
According to the Swiss Federation of Trade Unions (SGB), absences due to illness in the workplace are increasing dramatically. Today, employers are only checked every 20 years; this frequency should now be reduced to every two years.
In this context, the SGB is also calling for a move away from the National Council's decision to extend Sunday working hours and the extension of the working day to 17 hours. Sufficient staff, reliable working and rest times and the consistent enforcement of health protection enshrined in labor law are required.
The trade union also pointed out the inadequate wage development. Substantial wage increases are needed, especially for lower and middle wage brackets, to prevent a loss of real wages.
