'36 Weeks': The new plan for extended parental leave in Switzerland

Even with 18 weeks of parental leave for fathers and mothers, Switzerland does not occupy a top position internationally.

'36 Weeks': The new plan for extended parental leave in Switzerland

Switzerland should introduce a total of 36 weeks of parental leave after the birth of a child — that is, 18 weeks for each parent, according to a new popular initiative.

On Wednesday, a cross-party alliance launched a petition for the “Family Time Initiative”: Both parents should be entitled to 18 weeks of paid leave after the birth of a child.