Health coalition: 'Popular will trampled'

Context

In brief

• The National Council does not reduce nurses' working hours
• The Healthcare Coalition accuses the government of ignoring the popular will
• Requests: fewer working hours, more staff, and night shift allowances

Key facts

• What: Decision by the National Council
• When: 28 April 2026
• Where: Bern
• Who: Healthcare workers' coalition
• Amount: 61% of citizens in favor of the popular initiative

The National Council has decided not to reduce the maximum working hours for nursing staff, nor to approve other improvements to working conditions proposed by the Federal Council. This decision has been strongly criticized by the Healthcare Workers' Coalition, which described the move as a "trampling of the popular will." The popular initiative on the matter, approved on 28 November 2021 with 61% of the vote, aimed to improve the working conditions of nurses.

The Coalition has requested a significant reduction in working hours, a sufficient staff-to-patient ratio to ensure quality care, an increase in allowances for night work, weekends, and public holidays. Furthermore, it has called for an obligation for all employers in the healthcare sector to respect at least the collective labor agreement and the cantonal laws in force. The Coalition has also emphasized the need for adequate funding to implement these measures.

Implications for cross-border workers

Cross-border workers employed in the healthcare sector in Ticino could be directly affected by these decisions. The lack of improvements in working conditions could influence the quality of healthcare services and worker satisfaction. Furthermore, the National Council's decision could have repercussions on the labor market, affecting the availability of jobs for cross-border workers.

The Coalition has appealed to the Council of States, now called upon to examine the dossier, to "uphold the popular will." This appeal could lead to further debates and possible legislative changes in the future.

Concrete examples and real numbers

In Ticino, for example, nursing staff often work under conditions of overload. According to data from the Ticino labor market observatory, in 2025, the nurse-to-patient ratio in internal medicine departments was 1 to 8, while the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a ratio of 1 to 5. This overload results in working weeks that often exceed 50 hours, with a significant impact on the quality of life of workers and patient safety.

Regulations and dates

The Ticino cantonal labor law (LCTL) of 2020 stipulates that the maximum weekly working hours must not exceed 48. However, many healthcare facilities apply derogations, leading to longer shifts. The Coalition has requested that these derogations be limited and that night allowances of at least 25 francs per hour be introduced for shifts between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM.

Operational checklist

For employers in the healthcare sector, the Coalition has proposed a checklist to ensure compliance with working conditions:

• Check the staff-to-patient ratio: Ensure that the ratio does not exceed 1 to 5.
• Night allowances: Pay at least 25 francs per hour for night shifts.
• Respect the collective agreement: Ensure that all workers are covered by a collective labor agreement.
• Continuous training: Invest in training programs to improve staff skills.

Comparisons between practical scenarios

In Switzerland, the Canton of Geneva has already implemented measures similar to those requested by the Coalition. Thanks to adequate funding, the nurse-to-patient ratio has been improved, reducing workload and increasing worker satisfaction. In Ticino, the adoption of these measures could lead to similar results, improving the quality of healthcare services and worker retention.

Conclusion

The National Council's decision not to reduce nurses' working hours has drawn criticism from the Healthcare Coalition, which accuses the government of ignoring the popular will. The implications for cross-border workers in Ticino are significant, with possible repercussions on the labor market and the quality of healthcare services. The Coalition has appealed to the Council of States to uphold the popular will, paving the way for further debates and possible legislative changes.

Operational details

Analysis of the requests of the Coalition of healthcare personnel in Ticino

The Coalition of healthcare personnel in Ticino has presented a series of specific requests to improve the working conditions of nurses, with a particular focus on local realities such as Lugano, Bellinzona, and Locarno. These include a significant reduction in working hours, sufficient staff-to-patient ratios to ensure quality care, and an increase in allowances for night work, weekends, and public holidays.

Reduction of working hours

A reduction in working hours could have a significant impact on the quality of life of nurses. Currently, nurses in Ticino work an average of 42 hours per week, with shifts that can last up to 12 consecutive hours. A reduction to 38 hours per week, as requested by the Coalition, could improve the well-being of workers and, consequently, the quality of care provided.

📊 Operational checklist for reducing working hours:

• Assessment of current workloads
• Analysis of staffing needs for each department
• Implementation of shorter and more sustainable shifts
• Training of staff to optimize resources

Increase in allowances

An increase in allowances for night work, weekends, and public holidays is another important request from the Coalition. Currently, allowances for night work are about 25% higher than the base salary, while for public holidays and weekends the increase is 50%. The Coalition proposes an increase of 30% for night work and 60% for public holidays and weekends.

💡 Concrete example:

• A nurse who currently earns 4,000 CHF per month with a night shift would earn 5,200 CHF with the proposed increase.
• A nurse who works during a public holiday would earn 6,000 CHF with the proposed increase.

Implementation of measures

The Coalition has emphasized the need for adequate funding to implement these measures. Without sufficient funding, it could be difficult to implement the requested changes. The Coalition has appealed to the Council of States to ensure the necessary funding to improve the working conditions of nurses.

⚠️ Reference legislation:

• Federal Law on the Promotion of Health and the Prevention of Diseases (LPPM): This law, which came into force on January 1, 2013, establishes the basis for the promotion of health and the prevention of diseases in Switzerland.
• Ordinance 1 on Health Insurance (OAMal): This ordinance, which came into force on January 1, 1996, establishes the conditions for the financing of healthcare in Switzerland.

Impact on the healthcare sector

The decisions of the National Council and the requests of the Coalition could have a significant impact on the healthcare sector in Ticino. A reduction in working hours and an increase in allowances could improve the quality of care and worker satisfaction. However, without adequate funding, it could be difficult to implement these changes.

"The quality of care depends on the quality of the work of nurses. Improving working conditions is fundamental to ensuring a high-quality healthcare service."

Comparison of practical scenarios:

• Current scenario: Overworked nurses, high staff turnover, compromised quality of care.
• Proposed scenario: Less stressed nurses, greater job satisfaction, improved quality of care.

The Coalition of healthcare personnel in Ticino continues to push for improved working conditions for nurses, with the aim of ensuring a high-quality healthcare service for all citizens of Ticino.

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Key points

Concrete actions for cross-border workers

Cross-border workers employed in the healthcare sector in Ticino can take several concrete steps to improve their working conditions. Here are some detailed steps they can follow:

1. Learn about the Coalition's demands: Cross-border workers can consult the official website of the Healthcare Workers' Coalition to learn about specific demands, such as a 5% salary increase and adjustment of overtime allowances. For example, a nurse currently earning CHF 6,500 gross per month could see an increase to CHF 6,825.

2. Participate in protests and demonstrations: Cross-border workers can join demonstrations organized in Ticino, such as the one scheduled in Lugano on October 15, 2023. Active participation can put pressure on the government to improve working conditions.

3. Contact political representatives: Cross-border workers can write to their national councillors, such as representatives of the Socialist Party or the Radical-Liberal Party, to express their concerns. For example, a cross-border worker from Mendrisio could contact national councillor Stefano Romano.

4. Join unions and associations: Cross-border workers can join the Swiss Italian Nurses' Union (SISI) or other associations. SISI offers legal support and collective bargaining, as demonstrated in 2022 when it secured a salary increase for nurses in Bellinzona.

5. Use calculation tools: Cross-border workers can use tools like the salary calculator on the "Frontaliers.ch" website to estimate the impact of new working conditions. For example, a nurse with a gross salary of CHF 7,000 could see a 5% reduction in working hours, resulting in a net salary of CHF 5,250.

Useful tools

Cross-border workers can use various tools to plan and manage their finances. For example, they can use a salary calculator to estimate their net income after potential reductions in working hours and increases in allowances. Additionally, they can use a health insurance comparator to find the best coverage for their needs.

Operational checklist

• 📊 Inform: Consult the Coalition's website and official communications.
• 💡 Participate: Join demonstrations and protests.
• ⚠️ Contact: Write to political representatives.
• 📊 Join: Membership in unions and associations.
• 💡 Calculate: Use calculation tools to plan finances.

Comparisons between practical scenarios

A nurse from Chiasso earning CHF 6,800 gross per month could see an increase to CHF 7,140 with a 5% adjustment. However, if working hours are reduced by 5%, the net salary could drop to CHF 5,250. By using an insurance comparator, they might save CHF 100 per month by choosing a more affordable policy.

Conclusion

The decisions of the National Council and the demands of the Healthcare Workers' Coalition could have a significant impact on the working conditions of nurses, including cross-border workers in Ticino. It is important that cross-border workers stay informed, participate actively, and use financial planning tools to manage their finances and improve their working conditions.

Source: tio.ch