New Initiative Proposes 36-Week Parental Leave in Switzerland

Popular initiative launches calling for 18 weeks of leave per parent, marking significant potential expansion of Swiss family policy

A left-leaning alliance has launched a popular initiative for 36 weeks of parental leave in Switzerland
The proposal would replace current system of 14 weeks maternity and 2 weeks paternity leave
Each parent would receive 18 weeks of non-transferable leave
Initiative requires 100,000 signatures by October 1, 2026

2,500

estimated additional full-time workers annually

25%

maximum leave that could be taken simultaneously

"A strong society and economy through parental leave"
— Initiative Title

New Parental Leave Initiative Launch

A left-leaning alliance has launched a popular initiative for 36 weeks of parental leave in Switzerland
The proposal would replace current system of 14 weeks maternity and 2 weeks paternity leave
Each parent would receive 18 weeks of non-transferable leave
Initiative requires 100,000 signatures by October 1, 2026

2,500

estimated additional full-time workers annually

25%

maximum leave that could be taken simultaneously

"A strong society and economy through parental leave"
— Initiative Title