If power consumption exceeds production, the grid may collapse. When there is a power shortage, consumption peaks are the greatest danger.
Two citizens’ initiatives therefore want to prevent such peaks through employment law. In concrete terms, the politicians want to relax the rules for Sunday and night work.
If there is a shortage of electricity, we also have to work at night and on Sundays, says Andrea Gmür (58), member of the Central Council of States. The power consumption should therefore be better distributed. At least temporarily. But the Federal Council wants nothing to do with that.
Economy Minister Guy Parmelin (63) sees no need for action. This is what the Federal Council writes in its response to the initiative. If there is a proven power shortage, the cantons can allow six months of exceptions without changing the law. In addition: Employment law already gives companies a lot of leeway. According to the government, no change is needed.
Unions are happy
Gmür is not satisfied with the Federal Council’s response. “The Federal Council does not even respond to my most important demand, a temporary flexibility in labor law,” complains the central politician. The energy shortage should be explicitly included in the law as an “urgent need” for the approval of night or Sunday work.
Adrian Wüthrich (42), chairman of the trade union association Travailsuisse, is pleased with the government’s response: “The progress has been quick.”
Even in a situation of scarcity, such measures cannot simply be implemented on the Büezerbult. “The unions will continue to follow the labor law with eagle eyes,” he announces.
A patchwork quilt threatens
Central politician Gmür fears that without adjustment there is again the risk of a huge cantonal patchwork if there is actually a shortage. It is important for affected companies that there is clarity and that a quick solution is possible.
Parliament could listen to these concerns. 25 bourgeois parliamentarians signed Gmür’s proposal.
FDP wants annual working time
The FDP wants to go one step further than Gmür. On their initiative, there should be a switch from weekly to annual working hours. The same number of hours should still be worked, but only for the whole year.
That would mean businesses could close completely in the critical winter months and send employees on mandatory vacation. The rest of the year they would then have to work off the minute. Without the weekly maximum of 45 or 50 hours, depending on the profession.
Clear no from the Federal Council
The Federal Council finds clear words for this: The abolition of the maximum weekly working time would undermine the primary objective of labor law – the protection of workers’ health – he writes in his answer.
The limitations of labor law have long been a thorn in the side of ordinary citizens. Parliament decides on the proposal. However, it is unlikely that the annual working time will suddenly become the majority due to the lack of electricity. Especially after this response from the Federal Council.