Executive Summary

On 5 June 2026, the Swiss Federal Council decided to ratify two conventions of the International Labour Organization (ILO). Convention No. 190 establishes international standards to combat violence and harassment in the workplace; Convention No. 191 updates ILO norms through the recognition of a safe and healthy work environment as a fundamental principle. Both conventions received broad support from cantons and organizations during the consultation process. Switzerland has already anchored corresponding prohibitions in national law; therefore, legal adjustment is required only for No. 190, while No. 191 involves purely formal changes.

Persons

  • Federal Council (collegiate body)

Topics

  • International labour standards
  • Occupational safety and violence prevention
  • Swiss labour law

Clarus Lead

Switzerland is thereby repositioning itself in the international occupational safety discourse: while 56 countries have so far ratified the violence convention, Switzerland signals through its ratification a strengthened commitment to fundamental labour rights. The decision comes at a time when violence and harassment in the workplace are gaining visibility globally – the ratification underscores that Switzerland wishes to legitimize its existing prohibitions through international norm-setting. For employers and employees, this means harmonization with global standards without requiring substantial legal adjustments.

Detailed Summary

ILO Convention No. 190 introduces for the first time a unified international definition of violence and harassment in the world of work and obligates ratifying states to adopt protection and prevention measures. Although such conduct is already prohibited in Switzerland through existing law – for example, through provisions protecting personality rights and occupational safety – ratification enables formal recognition of these standards at the international level. This strengthens Switzerland's credibility in international labour organizations.

Convention No. 191 pursues a different approach: it is a modernization of the ILO norm-setting framework itself. By anchoring a safe and healthy work environment as a fundamental labour principle, the ILO core conventions are updated without requiring substantial adjustments to national legal systems. Switzerland can contribute to the expansion of the international regulatory framework through its ratification without incurring implementation costs.

The Federal Council's legal analysis confirms that both conventions are not directly applicable in Swiss law – that is, they do not require automatic incorporation into national legislation. This enables pragmatic ratification without legislative hurdles.

Key Statements

  • The Federal Council ratifies two ILO conventions on occupational safety, violence prevention, and healthy work environment
  • Swiss law already prohibits violence and harassment in the workplace; ratification reaffirms this commitment internationally
  • No substantial legal adjustments required; both conventions are not directly applicable
  • Broad support from cantons and consulted organizations during the consultation process
  • Switzerland contributes to strengthening global labour standards; 56 countries have already ratified No. 190

Critical Questions

  1. Quality of Evidence: What concrete data on the frequency of violence and harassment in Swiss workplaces underpinned the ratification decision, and were these discussed during the consultation process?

  2. Conflicts of Interest: Which employer associations and trade unions commented during the consultation process, and was there dissent regarding the ratification or its practical consequences?

  3. Causality and Alternatives: To what extent is it expected that international ratification – without new national laws – will improve the prevention of violence and harassment in practice, or is this primarily a symbolic signal?

  4. Feasibility: What measures does Switzerland plan to monitor and enforce ILO standards, and how will SMEs and small businesses be supported in compliance?

  5. Legal Clarity: Why are the conventions not directly applicable in Swiss law, and how is it ensured that employees have access to remedies in case of violations?

  6. Timing and Context: Does the ratification occur in response to specific national or international incidents, or is it part of routine harmonization with ILO standards?

Bibliography

Primary Source: Statement by the Swiss Federal Council – Ratification of ILO Conventions No. 190 and 191 – https://www.news.admin.ch/de/newnsb/f2A2CQS2D4b4311v7cWK3

Verification Status: ✓ 05.06.2026

This text was created with the support of an AI model. Editorial responsibility: clarus.news | Fact-check: 05.06.2026