Bern nixes Geneva parent leave law

Geneva’s generous parental leave law has been stopped by Bern.

Voters gave the green light for 24 weeks for both parents in June last year – it was then added to the cantonal constitution.

But the Federal Council has blocked it – as it goes against federal law.

But there are plans to change the law in Bern which would allow it. The canton says the law has been suspended, not axed. It may be able to come back into force next year.

Many cantonal councillors were aware there may be legal problems with the leave – but they were prepared to take a gamble on it. 

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