Swiss Construction Apprentices Win 10 Weeks Vacation Under New Labor Deal

Switzerland’s construction industry in Vaud canton has agreed to offer apprentices 10 weeks of vacation in their first year, up from five weeks previously. The seven-year collective labor agreement, signed October 7 by employer groups and union Unia, aims to reverse a 40% drop in new apprenticeship contracts over the past decade. The deal also introduces protections against extreme heat and AI-powered mentoring tools.

Why construction apprenticeships collapsed

Vaud’s construction sector lost 40% of new apprenticeship contracts in the past ten years, forcing employers and unions to act. The sector faced a recruitment crisis as young workers chose other careers. This new agreement targets that decline directly by making the apprenticeship path more attractive through time off and support.

What apprentices gain under the new deal

Apprentices now receive 10 weeks of vacation in their first year, nearly double the previous five weeks. The vacation allowance decreases gradually through the training period. The deal also includes mentoring measures, supplementary courses, and AI tools to support young workers toward their diploma. Nearly half of new contracts already use this model, according to the parties.

Heat protection and compensation

When temperatures reach 33°C in the shade and work cannot be reorganized to keep workers cool, construction companies can halt operations and receive compensation from the Vaud construction health and safety fund. In 2026 alone, the fund paid out over 1.1 million Swiss francs in heat-related indemnities to more than 4,000 workers. This new provision strengthens protections against extreme weather already in place.

A model set to spread

The agreement runs for seven years and is intended to become the standard reference for the sector. Union Unia emphasized that the 10-week vacation model has already been adopted in nearly half of new contracts signed before the official agreement. This suggests the construction industry views the terms as sustainable and competitive.

Final Thoughts

The Vaud construction sector’s new labor deal offers apprentices double the vacation time and heat protections to reverse a steep recruitment decline. If the model spreads across Switzerland, it could reshape how the industry attracts young workers.

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