“We are sounding the alarm,” said the protestors, many of whom came with healthcare-related items like bed pans and kidney dishes, which they banged loudly in front of the parliament building.
Every month, more than 300 nurses leave the profession, said a statementExternal link released by several unions, including the one representing nurses, on Saturday.
“This further aggravates the crisis caused by the lack of resources in the health sector, and quality care can no longer be guaranteed,” added the unions, who supported the demonstration.
They outlined five points to help stem the loss of staff: a rise in salaries, a fairer calculation of time actually worked, clearer vacation allocations, more help with childcare costs and better support for last-minute shift changes.
Saturday’s demonstration comes just over a year since Swiss voters accepted a people’s initiative to improve working conditions for nurses.
The unions’ statement called on the government, cantons and employers to make good on the promises set out in the initiative.
More
More
Swiss voters give helping hand to nurses
This content was published on
Healthcare personnel in Switzerland can hope for a boost as voters decided on a proposal to improve working conditions for nurses.
Swiss stock market sets a new benchmark above 13,000 points
This content was published on
The Swiss Market Index (SMI) hit a new all-time high on Monday morning, briefly exceeding 13,000 points, following the German parliamentary elections.
Swiss researchers use AI to monitor railway bridge stability
This content was published on
Researchers in Zurich can now verify the statics of railway bridges using a new, specially developed artificial intelligence model.
Swiss president reiterates country’s support for Ukraine
This content was published on
President of the Swiss Confederation Karin Keller-Sutter reaffirmed Switzerland's support for Ukraine on Monday at a summit in Kiev to mark the third anniversary of the war. The objective remains a just and lasting peace, she said.
Proportion of women managers in Switzerland up slightly in ten years
This content was published on
Over the last ten years, the proportion of women in management positions and on the boards of directors of Swiss companies has risen slightly, says a new analysis.
Switzerland concerned over US disengagement from UN human rights body
This content was published on
Switzerland is concerned about the disengagement of certain states from the UN Human Rights Council, said foreign minister Ignazio Cassis, as the United States and Israel boycott the Geneva-based body.
Employment in Switzerland up slightly at end of 2024
This content was published on
Total employment in Switzerland, excluding agriculture, rose by 0.9% year-on-year in the fourth quarter of last year, the Federal Statistical Office (FSO) reported on Monday.
Ukrainian ambassador praises ‘unprecedented’ Swiss support
This content was published on
Three years after the full-scale Russian invasion began, Switzerland's solidarity with Ukraine remains unprecedented, said Ukrainian ambassador Iryna Venediktova
Swiss papers see several hurdles ahead for winner of German elections
This content was published on
The Swiss newspapers see a difficult starting position for Friedrich Merz, winner of the German parliamentary elections on Sunday.
Hundreds of people in Geneva demonstrate in support of Ukraine
This content was published on
Over 800 people took part in a rally for Ukraine in Geneva to call for justice, solidarity and unwavering support three years after the Russian invasion began.
Swiss institute hosted informal talks between Russians, Ukrainians and Americans
This content was published on
The Geneva Center for Security Policy (GCSP) has hosted 10 meetings between Russian and Ukrainian interlocutors since the start of the war.
This content was published on
Healthcare costs, the pension system and climate change are the top three burning issues for the Swiss, according to a survey.
Covid pandemic has been ‘devastating’ for Swiss nurses
This content was published on
The 2020 survey on working conditions for nurses in Switzerland painted a bleak picture. What has changed with the pandemic?
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.