We should work on Sundays more often

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On Thursday, the National Council accepted a motion by Lucerne Central Councilor Andrea Gmür-Schönenberger (58) with this demand by 109 votes to 72 and 8 abstentions. She submitted the proposal last fall when everyone was talking about a possible power shortage.

In the event of an energy shortage, it may be necessary for companies to do the work while there is no major energy consumption, Gmür-Schönenberger writes in the text of the motion. In this regard, a power shortage could represent an “urgent need” for night or Sunday work.

According to the Ordinance on the Labor Code, such an urgent need is a precondition for night and Sunday work. The Council of States already approved the initiative in December.

Solve a problem that doesn’t even exist

The Federal Council and a minority on both councils opposed relaxing the law. SP minority spokesman Cédric Wermuth (37) said in the National Council that an amendment to the national ordinance on labor law was not necessary at all.

The State Secretariat of Economic Affairs (Seco) writes in a new guideline on the application of the scheme that an energy shortage is seen as an “urgent need”. At the time of the submission of the motion, this innovation was not yet present in the guidelines. But now the Motionärin wants to solve a problem that doesn’t exist.

A yes to the initiative would also be a vote of no confidence in the social partnership, said the SP Switzerland co-chair. Federal alderman Guy Parmelin (63) also referred to the amended Seco guidelines. The federal administration was therefore quick to take care of the economy. It’s fulfilled.

Companies have a lot of leeway

In its response to the motion, the state government also states that labor law already gives companies a lot of room. From Monday to Saturday, companies without a permit could work between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m. If further adjustments to the work organization are necessary, the cantons may allow exceptions.

Only in parts of Switzerland can the power go out, Parmelin said in December in the Council of States. It is therefore correct that the power to regulate working hours lies with the cantons. This provides the necessary flexibility.

Prepare for next winter

According to FDP spokeswoman Petra Gössi (47), a majority of the advisory committee in the National Council believed that the regulation change was necessary in view of the coming winter. In the current winter, this flexibility is no longer necessary, but precautions must be taken. A majority of the Council shared this view.

Regarding Federal Councilor Parmelin’s argument in the Council of States, motion maker Gmür-Schönenberger said that the Corona crisis had shown that there can be unwanted patchwork in Switzerland. In this case, it is not advisable for the cantons to decide on this individually.

Sunday is sacred to you. But it is about creating planning certainty for companies and securing jobs. (SDA)

Source:Blick