Zürcher city employees have paid time off during the old year's week

Zurich’s city parliament has approved a sixth week of holiday for its municipal workers. The decision follows a left-green proposal led by director Matthias Aebischer. Business leaders have already raised concerns over the move’s wider impact on the job market.

The new policy increases total leave for Zurich’s public employees to six weeks plus an extra day. Supporters argue it will help retain staff and improve work-life balance, particularly for shift workers. Luca Maggi of the Green Party called the extra week 'indispensable' for competitiveness.

Criticism came swiftly from private sector representatives. Christian Zehnder, director of the Zurich Employers’ Association, warned that companies would now face pressure to match the benefit. He claimed the city was setting an unrealistic standard for businesses.

Nicole Barandun, president of the Zurich Trade Association and a centre-right National Council member, accused the administration of 'poaching' employees. She pointed out that businesses fund the city through taxes while losing skilled workers to better conditions.

Stephan Iten, an SVP city councillor, echoed these concerns. He described the policy as 'siphoning off' talent from private firms, risking a brain drain in the long term.

The change takes effect immediately for Zurich’s municipal staff. Employers now face growing calls to adjust their own holiday policies. Observers note that the decision could reshape expectations across Switzerland’s labour market.