Canicola and labour: Canton-Unia clash over rights (cross-border guide)

Context

In a nutshell

• Meeting in Bellinzona on working conditions and dogfighting.
• UNIA criticises the current directives, judging them insufficient.
• The Canton focuses on social partnership and new instruments.
• Obligation to report to the labour inspectorate or SUVA.

Key facts

• What: Meeting on working conditions during a heatwave
• When: 14 July 2026
• Where: Bellinzona
• Who: Canton of Ticino, UNIA, economic associations
• Objective: Define prevention and protection tools

On 14 July 2026, a crucial meeting was held in Bellinzona between cantonal authorities, trade union representatives and representatives of economic associations. The discussion, which lasted about two hours, focused on working conditions during periods of extreme heat. The UNIA trade union, represented by the secretary Giangiorgio Gargantini, expressed deep disappointment at the outcome of the discussion. According to UNIA, the presence of about fifteen representatives of employers' associations turned the meeting into a discharge of responsibility by the cantonal authority, rather than a political debate aimed at strengthening protections for workers.

The position of the union

UNIA has raised criticisms based on concrete cases of non-compliance with current regulations. The reports concern different sectors, from construction sites to kitchens, up to the private security sector. For the union, the directives in force today are no longer

Operational details

The Economics Division, led by Stefano Rizzi, reiterated that dialogue remains the fundamental key to addressing the challenges of the labour market. From the cantonal point of view, federal law sets clear limits on regulation. The stated goal is not to rewrite the laws, but to provide businesses with practical and concrete tools to manage heat. This approach translates into the creation of new prevention and information tools, developed in collaboration with trade associations. The practical examples and behaviours to be adopted will be at the heart of this new collaborative phase, launched immediately to support companies in protecting their employees. The practical implication for every worker, including border workers working in exposed sectors such as construction, is the need for greater awareness of their rights and the safety measures envisaged.

The role of social partnership

Social partnership, a pillar of the Swiss labour market, is thus reaffirmed as the main tool for managing the climate crisis in the workplace. For workers, this means that the responsibility for ensuring a safe environment remains with the employer, in accordance with existing federal standards. If companies do not take the necessary precautions, the current system is based on active supervision. Labour inspectorates and SUVA play a role

Recommended tools

For an updated estimate, use the net salary calculator and the CHF-EUR exchange comparator.

Key points

To deal concretely with hot days, the invitation of the authorities is to do not hesitate to promptly report any suspicious or dangerous situation. The procedure provides that reports are addressed directly to the labour inspectorate of the Canton of Ticino or to SUVA, the body responsible for occupational safety. It is not necessary to wait for accidents to occur to intervene; prevention involves reporting working conditions that do not comply with health directives. For workers, it is essential to document any shortcomings accurately. If you find yourself in a situation where temperatures are extreme and no mitigation measures are taken, please contact the relevant authorities.

Tools and resources for the worker

In addition to reporting, those who work in Ticino can use various tools to protect their professional and economic position. In case of doubts about your paycheck or the correct application of the contractual rules, the calcolatore on our website allows you to check the net and withholding taxes, ensuring that every aspect of the employment relationship is in order. It is important to remember that, even in difficult climatic conditions, compliance with contractual rules and the correct payment of social security contributions remain essential priorities. For those who need further information on the regulations in force or on the management of the

Source: rsi.ch