Switzerland: Equal opportunities

Updating author: Thomas Kälin, MLL Legal Ltd (MLL)

See the legal services provided by the author of International > Switzerland, including any discounts/offers for subscribers.

Summary

• Specific legislation prohibits discrimination in employment on the grounds of sex, marital status (including civil partnership status), family situation or pregnancy. (See General)
• The only exemption to the general prohibition of sex discrimination in employment is that sex can be a relevant criterion for working in certain precisely defined employments. (See Exemptions)
• Sexual harassment constitutes discrimination and is prohibited. (See Sexual harassment)
• If an employee is dismissed without "just cause" after making a complaint of discrimination to a superior or initiating conciliation or court proceedings, the employee can challenge the dismissal in court. (See Victimisation)
• Appropriate positive action measures aimed at achieving true equality in practice between women and men are not regarded as discriminatory. (See Positive action)
• Different remedies apply depending on the ground on which an employee believes they have been discriminated against by the employer. (See Remedies and penalties)