Geneva approved for extended parental leave after federal law revision

The Swiss Federal Assembly has approved an extended parental leave policy for the canton of Geneva. This decision follows a June 2023 vote in which Geneva citizens approved the measure, which provides an additional eight weeks of leave for the non-birthing parent to supplement the standard 16-week maternity leave.

The implementation had been delayed because the Geneva Constitution was incompatible with the Federal Act on Compensation for Loss of Earnings (LAPG). However, a revision to the LAPG adopted last December now allows cantons to establish rules that exceed federal requirements regarding leave for the other parent.

While Switzerland’s standard leave—typically 14 weeks for mothers and two weeks for fathers—is lower than many European counterparts, this move represents a significant shift for the region. Local political leaders have welcomed the decision as a pragmatic step toward improving family life.