MPs spark anger by failing to back nurses

Wednesday, 29 April 2026 06:30

Parliamentarians have sparked anger among healthcare workers after tightening, rather than easing, nurses’ working conditions.

In Bern, the National Council rejected a proposal to cut the maximum workweek to 45 hours and instead capped the standard week at 42.

Plans to boost Sunday and holiday pay were also scaled back to just 25 percent.

This comes despite a looming staff shortage, with nearly 14,000 vacancies nationwide.

Unions warn the measures risk pushing more nurses out of the profession. The debate isn’t over yet, with financing still to be decided.

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