On Monday, March 16, the Federal Council enacted the protection of corona risk workers in the world of work: “Particularly vulnerable workers carry out their contractual duties from home. If this is not possible, the employer will take leave of absence on continued payment of wages, »it says under Article 10c in« Regulation 2 on measures to combat the corona virus ».
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The following Friday, four days later, the Federal Council loosened the protection of people at risk, such as the TX Group media to report. Without communicating this, the Federal Council changed the article in the regulation. Now particularly vulnerable people have to go to work if home office is not possible. At least if the hygiene and clearance rules are ensured. Only if this is not possible do risk patients have the right to take a leave of absence.
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In other words: Even those who have previous illnesses, are over 65 years old and belong to the “risk group” can now be forced to work. In the explanations to Ordinance 2, it is stated that, for example, plexiglass panes can be set up to protect the checkout staff or that disinfectants can be made available to them.
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“Completely contradictory”
The Swiss Confederation of Trade Unions (SGB) has noticed the tacit change – and is outraged. “The SGB is dismayed to find that the Federal Council is still adhering to this regulation,” he wrote in a message. “The lack of protection, particularly for these particularly vulnerable workers, not only endangers those directly affected, but also undermines confidence in the federal measures.”
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SGB central secretary Luca Cirigliano told the TX Group newspapers that people at risk would be terrified of death. The confederation has collected several examples of people who have to work again despite previous illnesses such as diabetes. She should simply wash her hands more, for example, was the instruction of a large bakery to an employee.
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BAG checks the article again
In the meantime, the Swiss Trade Union Confederation (SGB) has intervened with the Federal Council and is requesting that the section added be deleted. “On the one hand, the Federal Council sends out a clear message: stay at home. On the other hand, many employers insist that people with previous illnesses come to the workplace, ”says Cirigliano. “This is completely contradictory.”
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As the “NZZ” reports, the government may have relaxed the regulations at the urging of the economy. The employers’ association considers the current regulation to be necessary and reasonable. According to criticism from the trade unions, however, the federal government itself is no longer so certain. The Federal Office of Public Health (BAG) will report that the controversial article will be checked again in the coming days. It is possible that clarifications are made. (kes / lha)
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The corona virus currently keeps the world in suspense. Many countries take measures such as closing schools or borders and restricting public events to prevent them from spreading. The virus is also rampant in Switzerland. All current information and figures on the subject are available in the Corona Virus ticker.
