Part-Time Work in Switzerland

Equal Treatment and Contract

Part-time employees have the same rights as full-time employees on a proportional basis: same hourly wages, same notice periods, same holiday entitlement in weeks, same dismissal protection, same access to GAV (collective agreement) benefits. The employment contract should specify: weekly hours and distribution, hourly or monthly salary, and whether hours can vary. Employers cannot unilaterally reduce hours, this requires a contract amendment or a change-notice.

Social Insurance Thresholds

Two important thresholds: Accident insurance (UVG): non-occupational accident cover only if working 8+ hours per week with the same employer. Below this threshold, the employee must arrange private non-occupational accident cover. Pension insurance (BVG): mandatory for employees earning at least CHF 22,680/year from one employer. Part-timers with multiple jobs may reach this threshold across employers but may need to join the BVG buffer fund for coverage.

Holiday Pay for Hourly Workers

Hourly-paid part-time workers are often paid holiday pay as a wage supplement (8.33% for 4 weeks entitlement, 10.64% for 5 weeks). This is legal only if clearly labelled on payslips. A blanket 'holiday pay included' mention without separate itemisation is invalid and the employee can claim holidays again. The same applies to 13th month pay: if included in hourly rate, it must be explicitly broken out.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do part-time workers in Switzerland get paid holidays?

Yes, the same minimum of 4 weeks (20 working days for a 5-day week) applies. For a 3-day week, 4 weeks equals 12 working days. Holiday pay can be included in the hourly rate but must be clearly itemised on payslips.

Can my employer change my part-time hours without my agreement?

No. Hours are a contractual term. A reduction requires your consent or a change-notice (ordinary dismissal with offer of new terms). The employee can refuse, in which case the original contract remains or is terminated.

Am I insured against non-occupational accidents when working part-time?

Only if you work at least 8 hours per week with that employer. Below this threshold, UVG only covers occupational accidents. You should take out private cover for non-occupational accidents.