Staff Policy

Policy last reviewed: December 2024

SIU Staff Policy on Fair Employment, Equity, and Workplace Integrity

Preamble

Policy last reviewed: December 2024
At Swiss International University (SIU), we believe that the strength of our institution lies in the dignity, dedication, and diversity of our people. This policy reflects our unwavering commitment to upholding the highest standards of labor practices, human rights, equity, and social responsibility. It applies to all employees—academic, administrative, full-time, part-time, outsourced, and contractual—across all SIU branches and affiliates globally.

Living Wage Commitment

Policy last reviewed: December 2024
At Swiss International University (SIU), we are committed to fair and responsible employment practices. In line with Swiss labor principles and our institutional values, we guarantee that all staff and faculty—regardless of role or employment type—receive compensation that meets or exceeds a locally appropriate living wage.

In Switzerland, where no official national minimum wage exists, SIU uses the following benchmarks to define the living wage:

The legally established minimum wage set by the canton (where applicable), or
A calculated threshold based on the cost of living for a family of four in the respective region, expressed as an hourly wage. This includes housing, food, healthcare, education, and basic social participation.

Salaries are reviewed annually and adjusted in response to regional inflation, changes in the consumer price index (CPI), and other socioeconomic indicators. This approach ensures that our staff are not only protected from poverty, but are also able to maintain a decent standard of living consistent with Swiss social and economic expectations.

By implementing this policy, SIU affirms its commitment to financial dignity, sustainable employment, and its responsibility as a fair and ethical employer in Switzerland and abroad.

Recognition of Labor Unions and Collective Bargaining

Policy last reviewed: December 2024
Swiss International University (SIU) fully respects and upholds the fundamental right of all employees to freedom of association and collective bargaining, as protected under Swiss labor law (Obligationenrecht Art. 357 ff.) and international conventions, including those of the International Labour Organization (ILO), to which Switzerland is a signatory.

This commitment includes:

The right of every employee—regardless of gender, nationality, job function, or contractual status—to freely join or establish trade unions or professional associations of their choice.
The right to participate in collective negotiations concerning working conditions, salaries, and employment terms, either directly or through elected representatives.
Protection against any form of retaliation or discrimination arising from union membership or participation in union-related activities.

At SIU, we maintain an open and constructive relationship with staff councils, union delegates, and employee representatives. We view collective dialogue as a valuable mechanism for improving workplace transparency, trust, and well-being. All staff are encouraged to express their views freely, and we ensure these voices are heard, respected, and meaningfully considered in our institutional decision-making.

Anti-Discrimination Policy

Policy last reviewed: December 2024
Swiss International University (SIU) is firmly committed to maintaining a workplace culture built on respect, dignity, and equal opportunity for all. In accordance with the Swiss Constitution (Art. 8) and applicable federal laws—including the Federal Act on Gender Equality (GEA) and the Equality Act—we enforce a strict zero-tolerance policy toward any form of discrimination.

Discrimination, whether direct or indirect, is strictly prohibited on the basis of:

Race, ethnic origin, or nationality
Gender or gender identity
Sexual orientation
Religious or philosophical beliefs
Age or generational status
Disability or chronic illness
Marital or family status
Political opinion or trade union affiliation
Socioeconomic background or refugee status

At SIU, we believe that diversity is an asset, not a challenge. We actively promote inclusive hiring, equal treatment in career development, and respectful interaction at all levels of the institution. To reinforce this, we offer regular training and awareness programs on equity, unconscious bias, and inclusive workplace behavior.

All reported incidents of discrimination are taken seriously. Complaints are handled confidentially, investigated promptly and impartially, and addressed in accordance with due process and applicable legal protections. No employee will suffer retaliation for raising concerns in good faith.

Through this policy, SIU reaffirms its role as a responsible academic employer and as a model for ethical conduct, fairness, and inclusion in the higher education sector.

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Eradication of Modern Slavery and Forced Labor

Policy last reviewed: December 2024
Swiss International University (SIU) is committed to upholding the highest ethical standards in all aspects of employment and institutional operations. In line with Swiss law—including Articles 182 and 183 of the Swiss Criminal Code, which criminalize human trafficking and forced labor—and our international obligations, SIU enforces a strict zero-tolerance policy toward all forms of:

Forced or involuntary labor
Modern slavery and servitude
Human trafficking
Child labor in violation of Swiss or international standards

This commitment extends not only to our own campuses and operations but also to our partner institutions, suppliers, contractors, and service providers. We expect all affiliates to adhere to equivalent human rights and labor standards.

All recruitment and employment practices at SIU are strictly voluntary, based on informed consent, and governed by fair, transparent contracts. Staff and faculty are entitled to clear job descriptions, equitable pay, safe working conditions, and the unrestricted right to leave their employment in accordance with Swiss labor laws (Swiss Code of Obligations, Art. 319–362).

To ensure ongoing compliance and integrity, we conduct due diligence on third-party service providers and engage in regular internal reviews. Any suspected breach of this policy is investigated promptly and may lead to termination of contracts or legal reporting.

Through this policy, SIU reaffirms its role as a socially responsible institution committed to protecting human dignity, promoting fair labor practices, and contributing to a world free from exploitation.

Equal Rights in Outsourced Services

Policy last reviewed: December 2024
At Swiss International University (SIU), we recognize our ethical and legal responsibility to ensure fair treatment not only for our directly employed staff but also for individuals working under outsourced service agreements. In accordance with Swiss labor law (particularly the Code of Obligations, Art. 319–362, and Art. 101 on third-party liability), and in alignment with the Swiss Due Diligence and Transparency Standards (effective from 2022), SIU commits to the following:

Whenever services are outsourced—such as cleaning, security, maintenance, IT support, or catering—SIU requires that all third-party workers receive:

Equivalent rights and protections comparable to those provided to SIU's internal staff in similar roles
Safe and healthy working conditions, in line with Swiss occupational safety regulations
Fair and timely wages, aligned with local living wage benchmarks and cantonal minimum wage standards (where applicable)
Access to grievance and complaint mechanisms, allowing workers to report concerns without fear of retaliation

To uphold these principles, all outsourcing agreements are governed by strict contractual clauses requiring compliance with Swiss labor standards and international human rights norms. SIU conducts periodic human rights due diligence and may commission independent compliance audits to ensure partners adhere to our institutional code of ethics.

Any partner or contractor found violating these standards may be subject to contract termination and legal reporting, where necessary. By enforcing this policy, SIU ensures that our institutional values—fairness, integrity, and respect for human dignity—extend across our entire operational ecosystem.

Pay Scale Equity and Gender Pay Gap Elimination

Policy last reviewed: December 2024
Swiss International University (SIU) is firmly committed to ensuring that all staff and faculty are compensated equitably and transparently, in full alignment with Swiss labor regulations and the Federal Gender Equality Act (GEA). We believe that fair pay is a cornerstone of workplace justice and institutional excellence.

To that end, SIU ensures that all pay scales are:

Transparent – salary structures and progression criteria are clearly communicated and consistently applied
Fair and objective – based on role complexity, academic or professional qualifications, responsibilities, and performance metrics
Free from bias – compensation decisions are made irrespective of gender, age, nationality, identity, or any other personal characteristic

In accordance with best practices and Swiss federal recommendations, SIU conducts annual reviews of internal salary data to monitor equity across roles and departments. Particular attention is given to identifying and addressing any gender-based pay disparities.

If unjustified differences are identified, corrective action is promptly implemented, which may include salary adjustments, policy revisions, or additional training for hiring and compensation managers.

Through this proactive approach, SIU not only fulfills its legal obligations under Swiss law but also affirms its moral duty to uphold the principles of equality, transparency, and respect in every aspect of employment.

Gender Pay Gap Monitoring

Policy last reviewed: December 2024
At Swiss International University (SIU), we actively promote gender equality by systematically monitoring and addressing pay equity across all faculties, departments, and administrative roles. Our approach is grounded in the principles of transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement, as outlined in the Federal Gender Equality Act (GEA) and supported by the Swiss Federal Council's recommendations on equal pay.

To achieve and maintain gender pay equity, SIU:

Collects and analyzes disaggregated salary data by gender, role, and employment level to ensure objectivity and comparability
Prepares internal equity reports that are shared with senior leadership and relevant stakeholders to ensure visibility and accountability
Establishes measurable goals and timelines for addressing any unjustified gender-based pay gaps, supported by targeted strategies and follow-up assessments

Our commitment goes beyond compliance. It reflects our alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 5: Gender Equality and SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth.

By tracking, evaluating, and acting on pay equity data, SIU reinforces its position as an inclusive and forward-thinking employer—one that empowers all employees equally and ensures that their contributions are recognized and rewarded fairly.

Employee Appeals and Grievance Mechanism

Policy last reviewed: December 2024
At Swiss International University (SIU), we are committed to fostering a fair and respectful workplace where all employees have the right to voice concerns and challenge decisions without fear of retaliation. In accordance with Swiss labor law—particularly Article 328 of the Swiss Code of Obligations, which ensures protection of employees' personal rights—SIU has established a transparent and accessible appeals process for all staff members.

Employees may formally appeal or raise concerns in relation to:

Salary or wage disputes
Disciplinary measures or evaluations
Violations of workplace rights, well-being, or ethical standards

The appeal process is designed to be:

Impartial – All cases are reviewed objectively by an internal panel that includes human resources and impartial senior staff not directly involved in the original decision
Confidential – All submissions and related discussions are handled with strict confidentiality
Non-retaliatory – Employees are fully protected from any form of retaliation or adverse treatment for filing a good-faith complaint

Appeals may be submitted either in writing to the Human Resources Office or via our secure internal platform. All cases are acknowledged promptly and resolved within 15 working days, unless exceptional circumstances require additional time, in which case the employee will be informed.

This procedure ensures that every staff member has a voice in decisions affecting their rights and employment, reinforcing SIU’s commitment to due process, respect, and institutional accountability.

Upholding Labor Rights for All

Policy last reviewed: December 2024
Swiss International University (SIU) is fully committed to respecting and upholding the fundamental labor rights of all employees, in strict accordance with Swiss law—including the Federal Constitution (Art. 28) and the Swiss Code of Obligations—as well as international labor standards, particularly those established by the International Labour Organization (ILO), to which Switzerland is a signatory.

SIU ensures that all members of staff, regardless of gender, nationality, background, or employment status, are guaranteed:

Freedom of association – the right to freely join or form labor unions or professional associations
The right to collective bargaining – the ability to negotiate employment conditions through recognized staff representatives
Access to safe, fair, and decent working conditions, including health and safety protections, reasonable working hours, and respectful treatment in the workplace

These rights are enshrined in our institutional policies and are reflected in our day-to-day practices, hiring procedures, and workplace culture.

SIU also collaborates with external quality assurance bodies, regulatory authorities, and accrediting partners to monitor compliance and support continuous improvement in labor practices. Through these efforts, we strive to be a model of ethical employment and academic integrity—ensuring that every individual who contributes to our mission does so in an environment of fairness, dignity, and respect.

Full Policy Click Here

Policy last reviewed: December 2024
At Swiss International University (SIU), our employment policy is firmly rooted in the principles of fairness, transparency, and mutual respect, in full alignment with the Swiss Code of Obligations, Federal Gender Equality Act, and constitutional protections under Article 8 of the Swiss Federal Constitution.

We are committed not only to complying with Swiss labor laws but also to surpassing international standards in staff well-being, inclusion, and ethical employment. This includes fostering a diverse and respectful work environment, ensuring equal opportunities, and maintaining the highest standards of integrity in all employment practices.

We believe that when our people are treated with dignity, paid fairly, protected under law, and offered real opportunities to grow, the entire institution thrives. That is why SIU continuously invests in its people—academically, professionally, and personally.

At SIU, every team member is valued, supported, and empowered to succeed. This commitment reflects not just a policy, but a culture—one that places people at the heart of everything we do.