Introduction
Since 1981 the Swiss Federal Constitution has provided that "men and women
shall have equal rights" and that they are "entitled to equal pay for
equivalent work". However, imbalances, especially in terms of fair pay, remain
notwithstanding the entry into force in 1996 of the Federal Law on Equality of
Women and Men. For example, a survey by the Federal Statistical Office (BFS) in
2000 showed that there were still substantial differences in remuneration
between men and women with equivalent vocational qualifications. Men earned
21.5% more than women in the private sector, while the difference in pay in the
Federal Administration was less than 10%.
What the law says
The Federal Law on Equality of Women and Men, which took effect on 1 July
1996, applies to all areas of working life, from recruitment to dismissal,
including continuing vocational training, remuneration and also sexual
harassment in the workplace.
Specifically, the Law prohibits
any direct or indirect discrimination on the basis of sex and includes a number
of measures to combat this phenomenon. The Law also provides for the
establishment of arbitration bodies under the control of the cantons. The
function of these bodies is to advise the parties and assist them in reaching
agreement.
As regards worker protection, women enjoy the same rights as men. In
addition, special provisions apply to pregnant women and nursing mothers.
The Federal Office for Equality of Women and Men
Established by the Federal Council in 1988, the Equality Office exists to
promote the achievement of equal rights between the sexes in all fields and to
work towards the elimination of all forms of sexual discrimination.
Since the
Office is particularly active in the area of equal pay and opportunities in
working life, it could be your first port of call if you encounter problems of
this kind.
Source: European Union
© European Communities, 1995-2006
Reproduction is authorised.
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