Gender Equality Act (GEA)

Introduction GlG

The Equality Act in Switzerland is a federal law that aims to promote equality between women and men in various areas of life. It prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex and requires that women and men be treated equally, especially with regard to access to education, employment and social benefits. The law also lays down measures to improve equal opportunities and promote the reconciliation of work and family life. It applies to the public and private sectors and provides for sanctions for violations of the equality rules. Overall, the Equality Act is intended to contribute to promoting gender equality in Switzerland and combating discrimination.

The articles GlG

Art. 1 Purpose
Art. 2 Equality at Work
Art. 3 Prohibition of discrimination
Art. 4 Discrimination through sexual harassment
Art. 5 Employees’ rights
Art. 6 Reduced burden of proof
Art. 7 Actions and appeals by organisations
Art. 8 governed by the Code of Obligations

SR 220
Art. 9 Procedure in the case of discriminatory dismissal
Art. 10 Protection against dismissal
Art. 11
Art. 13 Legal Protection in the case of Public Employment Relationships
Art. 13a Equal Pay Analysis and Audit
Art. 13b Exception to the obligation to conduct an equal pay analysis
Art. 13c Method of equal pay analysis
Art. 13d Audit of the equal pay analysis
Art. 13e Audit by a licensed firm of auditors
Art. 13f Audit by an organisation or an employees’ representation
Art. 13g Information for the employees
Art. 13h Information for the shareholders
Art. 13i Publication of results in the public sector
Art. 14 Financial Aid
Art. 15 Advice centres
Art. 16 Federal Office for Gender Equality
Art. 17 Final Provisions
Art. 17a Transitional provision to the Amendment of 14 December 2018
Art. 17b Evaluation of effectiveness
Art. 18 Referendum and commencement