Sunday work - Under what conditions? Swiss law (2024)

FAQs

Sunday work - Under what conditions? Swiss law? ›

The hours worked between Saturday 11 p.m. and Sunday 11 p.m. are considered as Sunday work. With the exception of special provisions for certain categories of companies, Sunday work also requires authorization. In Switzerland, only one public holiday is considered a Sunday: August 1st (national holiday).

Working on Sundays is generally prohibited in Switzerland. However, working on Sundays is possible, subject to special authorisation and the employee's consent.

You are not allowed to hang up laundry outside on Sundays. According to the Homeowners Association (HEV), the law is based on the fact that it "does not look very nice if every balcony is filled with laundry on the same day".

No noisy activities

You aren't allowed to mow the grass, you can't hang laundry, and you cannot recycle your trash. Switzerland is known for its recycling laws, but not on Sundays. If you are caught sending out the trash to the recycle centers close to you, you will be fined.

The reason why shops shut on Sundays is mainly because of religion. In a Christian dominated country, Sunday is considered to be a day of rest where everyone should stop work, and, traditionally, go to church. This was the case from the advent of Christianity in Switzerland.

Your neighbors will expect you not to do the laundry, use the vacuum cleaner, throw out the glass bin, or drill holes into your walls on Sundays. It's OK to still do it once in a while, but at least try to do it in the afternoon rather than the morning.

Here's a few strange Swiss laws that still exist. It is no secret that Switzerland has more bureaucrats than milk cows. Given that it is illegal to mow your lawn on Sundays, there are a handful of grey-zone things that are actually legal to do in Switzerland!

It is illegal to wash your car by hand at the end of the week in Switzerland. Sunday is considered a day of rest, and therefore washing your car is prohibited. You are allowed to wash your car in an automated car wash, but those are few and far between in the smaller Swiss towns and villages.

Eating dog and cat meat (as long as it's your pet)

While the sale of meat from a cat or a dog - or selling a dish containing dog or cat meat - is illegal, those wanting to raise and cook their own dogs or cats will find no legal barriers to doing so.

Swiss rules and regulations

Many rules have been introduced to reinforce common sense. For instance, rules that may be included in your rental contract, like 'no flushing and no shower after 10pm' are there to enforce common sense and stress on the fact that you should not bother your neighbours.

What is the Swiss peeing law? ›

The bottom line is that while upright peeing after 10 pm is not a criminal offence and you won't be led away in handcuffs, it could be disturbing to sensitive, or just cranky and irritable, neighbours.

Such laws may restrict shopping or ban sale of certain items on specific days. Blue laws are enforced in parts of the United States and Canada as well as some European countries, particularly in Austria, Germany, Switzerland, and Norway, keeping most stores closed on Sundays.

Sunday work, on the other hand, is in principle not allowed in Switzerland because this day is often considered a day of rest. However, Sunday work is widespread in specific professions, such as tourism, catering, health care and the hotel industry.

Historically, the reason in this Christian country was that Sunday should be a day of worship, not work. With time, however, the religious aspect has diminished, as has church attendance: studies show that the number of people who belong to the Catholic and Swiss Reformed churches has continued to fall in Switzerland.

In general, most stores are open Monday through Friday between 9:00 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. and on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.. Many stores are closed on Sundays. However, stores are open at train stations, airports and gas stations.

Did you know that Tonga is the only country in the world to be "officially" CLOSED on Sunday? It is actually illegal to work, and could be punishable by a large fine or imprisonment.

In general, most stores are open Monday through Friday between 9:00 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. and on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.. Many stores are closed on Sundays. However, stores are open at train stations, airports and gas stations.

The Importance of the Sabbath

Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns.

In Switzerland, Sundays are considered sacred to many and quiet time is strongly encouraged, which means there are certain activities should you avoid - or risk being told off.