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Switzerland Maternity Leave Guide

Switzerland Maternity Leave Guide

Maternity leave is a crucial time for new mothers and their families. It allows for bonding with the new baby and time to recover from childbirth. In Switzerland, maternity leave is protected by law, and it is important for new mothers to understand their rights and duties during this time. In this article, we will discuss all the important information about maternity leave in Switzerland, including the most common situations that may arise.

by Mediamodifier

Understanding Maternity Leave in Switzerland

Maternity leave in Switzerland is regulated by the Swiss Code of Obligations and the Federal Law on Gender Equality. According to these laws, new mothers are entitled to a minimum of 14 weeks of maternity leave. This leave can be taken anytime between 8 weeks before the expected due date and 12 weeks after the birth of the child. However, it is important to note that the employer can request a medical certificate to confirm the expected due date.

Rights and Duties During Maternity Leave

During maternity leave, new mothers have the right to receive their full salary for the first 14 weeks. After that, they are entitled to receive 80% of their salary for the remaining 8 weeks. This is paid by the Swiss social security system. However, it is important to note that the employer is not obligated to pay the remaining 20% of the salary, but many companies do so as part of their employee benefits.

During maternity leave, new mothers are also protected from being terminated from their job. This protection starts from the beginning of pregnancy until 16 weeks after the birth of the child. This means that the employer cannot terminate the employment contract during this time, except for serious reasons that are not related to the pregnancy or childbirth.

by Alex Bodini

Common Situations During Maternity Leave

by Derek Thomson  

One common situation that may arise during maternity leave is the need for additional time off due to complications during childbirth or the health of the baby. In this case, new mothers can request additional leave, which is usually granted by the employer. However, this additional leave is not protected by law and may be unpaid.

Another common situation is when the new mother decides to return to work before the end of the 14-week maternity leave period. In this case, the employer must be notified at least 8 weeks in advance. The employer may also request a medical certificate to confirm that the mother is fit to return to work.

Conclusion

In conclusion, maternity leave in Switzerland is a protected right for new mothers. It is important for new mothers to understand their rights and duties during this time, as well as the most common situations that may arise. By being informed and prepared, new mothers can fully enjoy this special time with their new baby without any added stress or worries.

Have you experienced any other situations during your maternity leave in Switzerland? Share your experience in the comments below.


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