Switzerland Considers 18-Week Parental Leave for Both Parents
Switzerland is debating a major change to its parental leave system. A broad coalition of political parties is pushing for 18 weeks of paid parental leave for both mothers and fathers. The proposal aims to address the country’s worker shortage and declining birth rate. But critics worry about the cost to businesses.
A New Referendum for Parental Leave Expansion
On November 28, several political groups, including the Swiss Employees’ Association, Alliance F, and parties like the Greens and the Centre Party, announced a new referendum. They plan to collect signatures next spring for the “Family Time” initiative. This initiative would grant 18 weeks of parental leave to both parents after the birth of a child.
Currently, mothers in Switzerland receive at least 14 weeks of paid maternity leave. Fathers or partners are entitled to just two weeks of paternity leave. Some Swiss cantons, like Geneva, have extended leave—Geneva offers 24 weeks, split between both parents.
Switzerland’s system is relatively limited compared to other European countries. In Italy, parents get five months of paid leave. In Germany, parents can take up to three years of leave. Under the new proposal, parents would each receive 18 weeks of leave, with up to four weeks overlapping. The goal is for each child to have at least 32 weeks of care from one or both parents. Parents on low wages would receive 100% of their salary, while others would get 80%.
Tackling the Worker Shortage and Declining Birth Rate
The referendum is partly in response to Switzerland’s declining birth rate and labor shortages. According to the Swiss Federal Statistical Office, the country’s birth rate has fallen to just 1.3 children per woman, well below the replacement rate. The initiative’s supporters believe that more parental leave would make having children easier for couples.
Centre Party National Councillor Dominik Blunschy said, “Parents shoulder a lot in this country. We need generational work that offers them good conditions.” Green Party president Lisa Mazzone added that current laws promote outdated gender roles, giving fathers less time off than mothers. She believes the new policy would reflect modern family dynamics.
Supporters also argue that expanded leave would help solve the worker shortage. A study by Ecoplan, a Swiss think tank, suggests the proposal could add 2,500 full-time workers to the Swiss economy each year. By allowing both parents to take more leave, they say, parents would return to full-time work faster, rather than balancing part-time jobs with childcare.
Opposition: Concerns Over Costs
However, not everyone is in favor of the change. The Swiss Employers’ Association is concerned about the financial impact. They argue that while parental leave is important, it should be part of a broader strategy that includes flexible working and subsidized childcare. They believe these measures would provide more sustainable support for families.
Political parties like the Swiss People’s Party (SVP) and the FDP. The Liberals have also expressed opposition. FDP National Councillor Andri Silberschmidt called the proposal “clearly excessive” and said it would place a “huge financial and personnel burden” on companies. He also questioned whether it would lead to more full-time work or just more part-time jobs.
SVP National Councillor Rémy Wyssmann warned that generous parental leave could push companies to move abroad. “Anyone who wants to work less is welcome to do so, but please not at the expense of others,” he said.
A Turning Point for Swiss Family Policy
As the referendum moves forward, it will spark a critical debate about the future of Swiss family policy. Supporters argue that expanding parental leave is a necessary investment in the future. They believe it will help boost the birth rate, improve work-life balance, and address labor shortages. Opponents fear the costs will be too high for businesses and the economy.
Switzerland’s parental leave system has long been seen as underdeveloped compared to other European nations. The upcoming referendum will decide whether the country moves toward more generous leave policies, or if it will focus on other ways to support families. The debate is just beginning, and the outcome could reshape Swiss society for years to come.
For more Swiss news, check out A Piece of Switzerland.
