Senate committee opposes sixth holiday week for apprentices

A Senate committee has recommended rejecting a motion to guarantee apprentices at least six weeks of annual leave, SRF reported. The committee voted 7-4, with one abstention, against the proposal by Social Democratic Party senator Flavia Wasserfallen of Bern.

The committee’s majority said holiday entitlement was only one of several factors affecting the appeal of apprenticeships. It called the proposed change an unnecessary, targeted intervention in employers’ responsibility for setting working conditions.

The Federal Council also recommends rejecting the motion. The committee minority said more leave would show support for vocational education and improve apprentices’ working conditions.

The Senate will decide next. If it rejects the motion, the proposal will be dropped. Under the Code of Obligations, employees are entitled to four weeks of annual leave, rising to five weeks for people under 20. Employers may grant more.