Who pays salary during long-term illness? (cross-border guide)
Answered with official sources — Rights, dismissal and mobbing
Updated 11 August 2026
Answer
Beyond the CO scale (see salary FAQ) the collective AIGM (daily illness allowance) kicks in from day 31 in most cases. It covers 720 days in 900 at 80-90% of salary, funded by AIGM contributions split employer/employee source: LPGA RS 830.1 and LCA 958.1. After 2 years of persistent illness the AI (Invalidity Insurance RS 831.20) takes over if work capacity drops below 40% source: Fedlex LAI RS 831.20. The cross-border worker is AI-insured as residents. AI may provide rehabilitation (paid retraining) or partial/full pensions. Work-caused illnesses/injuries fall under LAINF (SUVA). LPGA (Social Insurance General Act RS 830.1) governs appeal deadlines (30 days), duty to cooperate and procedure.
Official sources
Other questions on this topic
- How do I protect myself from mobbing in Switzerland?
The employer has a duty to protect employees' personality (CO art. 328 and LTr art. 6). Mobbing — repeated psychological harassment at work — breaches this duty and triggers civil liability.
- Which unions can I join as a cross-border worker?
Cross-border workers may freely join Swiss unions for contractual assistance, grievances and legal advice. Main Ticino unions: OCST (Christian-Social Ticino Organisation, 38,000 members), UNIA (industry, construction, crafts, 180,000…
- Does Swiss law provide a TFR equivalent as in Italy?
No, there is no mandatory TFR. The severance indemnity (CO art. 339b-339c) is only due to workers aged ≥50 with ≥20 years of service and equals 2-8 months of salary; it has been largely replaced by 2nd-pillar (LPP) benefits since 1985.
- Am I eligible for short-time work compensation (RHT) as a cross-border worker?
Yes. The Swiss LACI (Unemployment Insurance Act, RS 837.0) art. 31 provides Short-Time Work Compensation (RHT) for those suffering temporary work loss (order drop, COVID, exceptional events).
- Must the employer issue a work certificate (Arbeitszeugnis)?
Yes, mandatorily (CO art. 330a). A full work certificate (Arbeitszeugnis) must state: activity, duration, quality of work and conduct, written in Swiss-standard coded language (standardised neutral formulas, never explicitly negative).
- Am I protected against workplace discrimination as a cross-border worker?
Yes. The Free Movement Agreement (AFMP) Annex I art. 9 requires equal treatment between Swiss and EU/EFTA workers on pay, social benefits, working conditions and training. The Gender Equality Act (LPar RS 151.1) bans gender discrimination in hiring, promotion, dismissal, pay.
- Is the Italian NASpI available to a cross-border worker dismissed from Switzerland?
Yes. Under EU Reg. 883/2004 art. 65 a totally unemployed cross-border worker is entitled to benefits in the country of residence (Italy) based on foreign contributions.
- What should I do in case of a workplace accident?
Notify the employer immediately and request the accident-notification form, sent to SUVA (or LAINF insurer) within 3 days. The doctor treats and certifies work incapacity.
The information on this page is for guidance only and does not replace personal advice from an accountant, lawyer or union office. Tax, social-security and permit rules change frequently: always verify with the official sources linked in each answer.