Administrative appeal
Any administrative decision (refused permit, denied allowance, contested fine) can be challenged by appeal.
Deadlines
- 30 days in most cases, from notification
- Never miss it: past the deadline, the decision becomes final except in exceptional cases (force majeure)
Procedure
- Objection with the issuing authority (free, reasoned letter)
- If rejected: appeal to cantonal administrative court within 30 days
- If rejected cantonally: Federal Administrative Tribunal (FAT) in St. Gallen
- Last resort: Federal Tribunal in Lausanne
Fees
- Objection: usually free
- Cantonal appeal: CHF 500–2,500 advance
- FAT: CHF 1,000–5,000
- Federal Tribunal: CHF 2,000–10,000
If successful: refund + costs awarded. If not: you pay. Judicial assistance is possible if your income is modest.
Labour court
The labour court (Prud'hommes / Arbeitsgericht) rules on employer-employee disputes: unfair dismissal, unpaid salary, overtime, unused leave.
Jurisdiction
- Dispute up to CHF 30,000: simplified procedure, usually free
- Above: ordinary procedure, variable fees
Procedure
- Mandatory conciliation before the conciliation authority (often justice of the peace)
- If no agreement: case goes to labour court
- Public hearing, pleadings, witnesses
- Judgment usually within 3–6 months
Possible appeals
- Appeal to cantonal court
- Then Federal Tribunal on points of law
Unfair dismissal
Unfair dismissal (CO art. 336): illness, pregnancy, union activity, court testimony. Compensation: up to 6 months' salary (max).
Procedure: written objection before the end of the notice period, lawsuit within 180 days of contract end.
Tips
- Keep everything: contract, payslips, emails, HR letters, witnesses
- Get help from a union (UNIA, SYNA, Travail.Suisse) or legal clinic (CSP, Caritas)
- Lawyers: possible free initial consultation in some cantons
- For salary disputes: collective agreements (CCT) may also provide free joint mediation
- Never sign a termination agreement without checking your rights
