Nurses reject reduced weekly working hours
The National Council has rejected the government's proposal to reduce the maximum weekly working hours for nurses
Contesto
In brief - Maximum weekly hours confirmed at 50 hours - Overtime compensated with free time or salary supplement - New rules for shifts and breaks ## Key facts - What: Decision on new working hours for nurses - When: 29 April 2026 - Where: Swiss National Council - Who: National Council, UDC, PLR - Amount: 50 hours (maximum weekly hours) Nursing staff will not see their maximum weekly working hours reduced, as the National Council has rejected the Government's main measure, only partially approving other improvements. This content was published on 29 April 2026 - 10:16. The maximum weekly working time for nursing staff will not be reduced. This was decided on Tuesday by the National Council (with 95 votes against 61 and 39 abstentions), which rejected this and other improvements to working conditions proposed by the government. Differences of opinion regarding the law implementing the popular initiative on the subject, approved on 28 November 2021, emerged right from the start of the debates, with the UDC (conservative right) and the PLR (liberal right) presenting two proposals to refer the dossier back to the Government. The RSI's TG 20.00 report of 28 April 2026: External content. The draft on the table today will cause an increase in premiums of 2-4%, Diana Gutjahr (UDC) argued. For the Turgovian, it is therefore necessary to have a discussion about the catalogue of services. It is not possible to quantify the financial consequences precisely, replied Federal Councillor Elisabeth Baume-Schneider, arguing that inaction would cost even more. After rejecting the two proposals to refer the dossier back to the Executive, the National Council began discussing the two most controversial aspects of the new law: the working hours of nurses and the salary compensation. The...
Dettagli operativi
Analysis of the National Council's decisions The National Council has made several important decisions regarding the working conditions of nursing staff. In addition to maintaining the maximum weekly working hours at 50 hours, the chamber has decided to set the ordinary duration of the working week at 42 hours. This decision was met with disappointment by the left and the PVL, who criticized the project for not achieving its goals. The new law also provides that overtime be compensated with free time of equal duration or with a 25% salary supplement. However, contrary to what was proposed by the government, the National Council has removed from the law the priority of recovery in free time over payment. Furthermore, a salary supplement of at least 25% (the government proposed 50%) has been decided for those who work on Sundays or public holidays. Breaks, on the other hand, will count as paid working time. The Federal Council is then given the competence to establish how standby and on-call services should be compensated. Work schedules must be communicated with at least four weeks' notice. In case of changes communicated less than a month in advance, the employee is entitled to a time or financial compensation of 25% (25-50% according to the government's initial proposals). ### Implications for cross-border workers The decisions of the National Council will have a significant impact on cross-border workers who work as nurses in Ticino. The lack of a reduction in the maximum weekly working hours could lead to greater fatigue and stress for these workers, who often have to face long journeys between their workplace in Switzerland and their residence in Italy. Furthermore, the decision not to increase salary compensation for overtime could negatively affect the purch...
Punti chiave
Concrete actions for cross-border workers For cross-border workers employed as nurses in Ticino, it is crucial to be aware of the new rules and their rights. Here are some concrete actions they can take: 1. Stay informed about new rules: Cross-border workers should inform themselves about the new provisions regarding overtime, salary compensation, and breaks. This can be done through unions, employers, or industry associations. 2. Monitor the decisions of the Council of States: The dossier will now be examined by the Council of States. It is important that cross-border workers monitor the decisions of this chamber, as they could further influence their working conditions. 3. Organize with colleagues: Cross-border workers can organize with their colleagues to defend their rights and improve working conditions. This can be done through participation in unions or industry associations. 4. Use the site's tools: To calculate their net salary and better understand the implications of the new rules, cross-border workers can use the salary calculator available on the Frontaliere Ticino website. ### Conclusion The decision of the National Council not to reduce the maximum weekly working hours for nurses represents a challenge for cross-border workers in the healthcare sector in Ticino. However, it is important that these workers stay informed and organized to defend their working conditions and economic well-being. By using the available tools and monitoring the decisions of the Council of States, cross-border workers can best face future challenges and ensure their rights. Source: tvsvizzera.it
Punti chiave
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the new maximum weekly working duration for nurses?
- The maximum weekly working duration for nurses has been kept at 50 hours by the National Council, despite the government's proposals to reduce it to 45 hours.
- How are overtime hours compensated according to the new law?
- Overtime can be compensated with equal time off or a 25% salary supplement. However, the National Council has removed from the law the priority of time off over payment.
- What are the new rules for breaks during work?
- Breaks will count as paid working time. Moreover, the Federal Council has the competence to establish how standby and on-call services should be compensated.