Do I get my wages when I am sick?

In Switzerland, the employer must continue to pay wages for a certain period of time in the event of illness - whether covid-19, flu or other illness.

This is the case even if no written employment contract has been signed. The Code of Obligations (OR) stipulates that wages must be paid for at least three weeks. In the case of employment relationships lasting several years, the duration of continued payment of wages increases. Likewise, cantonal standard employment contracts may provide for a longer obligation to continue paying wages.

If you repeatedly feel unwell, be sure to see a doctor. In most cases, the employment contract stipulates after how many days of illness a doctor's certificate must be submitted. Without a doctor's certificate, the entitlement to continued payment of wages may expire.