The Swiss Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education, and Research has initiated a consultation process for a proposed regulation that would permit Sunday work in urban tourist hotspots.
This revision aims to establish a legal framework for this change, targeting larger cities with more than 60,000 inhabitants and a minimum of 50 per cent foreign guests in total hotel overnight stays.
Only urban tourist hotspots in Switzerland should fall under the new regulation. This exception is therefore limited to larger cities with more than 60,000 inhabitants and in which the proportion of foreign guests in a total hotel overnight stays are at least 50 per cent.
As the Swiss Federal Council explains, the proposed revision focuses on urban tourism districts, mainly on those defined as areas with a diverse range of accommodations, dining options, and cultural attractions within walking distance.
Moreover, the same notes that the revision, which is also applicable to shops offering services catering to the needs of international tourists, does not impact the existing regulations on shop opening times.
This means that the proposed revision does not change the rules governing when shops can open but rather addresses the possibility of workers being employed on Sundays in some districts.
Moreover, in line with the proposed regulation, employees engaged in Sunday work would be entitled to compensation beyond legal requirements. They would also be entitled to claims for substitute rest time.
The regulation states that the employees affected by this Sunday work should be entitled to compensation for Sunday work that goes beyond the legal requirements, in addition to the claims to substitute rest time in accordance with the Labor Act. It is up to the canton to determine where these compensations are set.
The call for this revision originated from Switzerland Tourism and city partners back in 2022. They urged for a redefinition of the term “tourist area” to accommodate the evolving landscape of international city tourism.
The authorities are yet to make a decision on the matter of whether they will allow Sunday work in urban tourism districts. A positive decision is expected to enhance the experience for international visitors while at the same time respecting the rights of workers.
In order to offer a better experience for tourists, Switzerland also wants to make tourist mobility more efficient and sustainable.
