Employment law

We advise employees and employers alike, but never both in the same matter.

Deadline to watch

A wrongful dismissal must be objected to in writing before the notice period expires, and court proceedings must then be filed within 180 days of the end of the employment. A forgotten objection closes the door for good.

What we handle most often

  • A dismissal you consider wrongful, or notice given during an incapacity for work.
  • An employment reference that is incomplete, late or written in code.
  • Overtime, holidays and public holidays left unpaid on departure.
  • Psychological or sexual harassment, and the employer’s duty of protection.
  • Drafting and reviewing contracts, staff regulations and non-competition clauses.

How we work

  1. An honest assessment

    We read the contract, the payslips and the email trail, then tell you whether the step is worth taking. Sometimes we advise against proceedings.

  2. Negotiation first

    Most files are settled by a termination agreement, faster and cheaper than a trial. We put a figure on the settlement before proposing it.

  3. Court if necessary

    Before the Labour Court, proceedings are free of charge up to a value in dispute of CHF 30,000.–. We attend every hearing with you.

Frequently asked questions

Can my employer dismiss me while I am on sick leave?
No, during a protection period that depends on your years of service: 30 days in the first year, 90 days from the second to the fifth, 180 days thereafter. Notice given during that period is void, and you need to react quickly to have that established.
Am I entitled to compensation if the dismissal is wrongful?
The court may award up to six months’ salary. In practice, awards in this canton are most often between two and four months, depending on length of service and how badly the employer behaved.

Tool

Check your deadline first

Under Swiss law, most claims are lost for lack of time, not for lack of arguments. Enter the date you received the letter and we will tell you how long you have left.

Indicative calculation based on the date of receipt you enter. Some deadlines are suspended during court holidays or run differently. Have your case checked.