Switzerland Implements Minimum Wages Raise for Domestic Workers

Minimum wages for domestic workers in Switzerland have increased by 2.2% starting from January 1, 2024, as reported by Mondaq.

The adjustment was made by the Federal Council on November 29, 2023, in response to inflation, as the Council opted to modify the Ordinance concerning the standard employment agreement for domestic workers.

It also exclusively applies to cantons without a pre-existing standard employment contract with higher minimum wages or those without such a contract in place at the time of the Ordinance’s enactment.

For such categories, the minimum wages increases apply, as follows:

• For non-qualified employees: from CHF 19,5 per hour (US$ 22.22) in 2023 to CHF 19,95 per hour (US$ 22.74) in 2024.
• For non-qualified employees with at least four years’ professional experience in home economics: from CHF 21,4 per hour (US$ 24.39) in 2023 to CHF 21,85 per hour (US$ 24.90) in 2024.
• For qualified employees with a CFC (Certificat Fédéral de Capacité or Federal Certificate of Competence): from CHF 23,55 per hour (US$ 26.84) in 2023 to CHF 24,05 per hour (US$ 27.41) in 2024.
• For qualified employees with an AFP (Attestation Fédérale de Formation Professionnelle or Federal Vocational Education and Training Certificate): from CHF 21,4 per hour (US$ 24.39) in 2023 to CHF 21,85 per hour (US$ 24.90) in 2024.

The Ordinance on the standard employment contract for domestic workers does not extend to cantons where, prior to its enactment on January 1, 2011, a cantonal standard employment contract was already in effect in the domestic sector, as long as that cantonal contract remains in force. This exception applies to the Canton of Geneva, which established its own standard employment contract with higher minimum wages for domestic workers well before the Ordinance came into effect.

As such, Geneva 2024 minimum gross wages for domestic workers is as follows:

• For qualified employees with a CFC (Certificat Fédéral de Capacité or Federal Certificate of Competence) in horticulture or equivalent qualification: CHF 26,49 per hour (US$ 30.19).
• For qualified employees with another CFC or equivalent qualification: CHF 24,84 per hour (US$ 28.31).
• For qualified employees with an AFP (Attestation Fédérale de Formation Professionnelle or Federal Vocational Education and Training Certificate), equivalent qualification or 4 years’ professional experience: CHF 24,58 per hour (US$ 28.01).
• For employees with no qualifications or less than 4 years’ professional experience: CHF 24,32 per hour (US$ 27.72).