Zurich and Winterthur Win the Right to Set Their Own Minimum Wage — What It Means for Nannies

On 12 May 2026, Switzerland's Federal Supreme Court confirmed that the cities of Zurich and Winterthur are legally entitled to introduce their own municipal minimum wage. The ruling brings a three-year legal battle to a close and marks an important moment for low-wage workers across the canton — including many in the childcare sector.

Here's what happened, what it means in practice, and where things stand for nannies specifically.

How we got here

Back in June 2023, voters in both cities approved minimum-wage initiatives by a clear margin — roughly 69% in favour in Zurich and 65% in Winterthur. The proposals set an hourly minimum of CHF 23.90 in Zurich and CHF 23.00 in Winterthur, equivalent to a gross monthly income of around CHF 4,000–4,350 for a full-time role.

Business associations challenged the new rules in court, arguing that only the canton — not individual municipalities — had the authority to regulate wages. In 2024, the Zurich Cantonal Administrative Court agreed and struck the ordinances down before they could take effect.

Both cities appealed to the Federal Supreme Court. On 12 May 2026, the Court overturned the cantonal ruling, finding that municipalities in the canton of Zurich have broad enough autonomy to legislate on minimum wages as a way of preventing in-work poverty.

What the ruling actually changes

The Court's decision confirms that the two cities may introduce a minimum wage — it doesn't set the wage into motion automatically. Implementation work, which was paused during the legal proceedings, is now resuming. The city of Zurich has said it will announce a concrete start date with at least six months' advance notice, so employers have time to prepare.

Once in force, the minimum wage will apply broadly to low-wage sectors in both cities — sectors like cleaning, hospitality, and retail are most often mentioned as direct beneficiaries, with women making up the majority of those affected.

What this means for nannies

This is the part we're watching closely. The ruling confirms the cities' right to set a minimum wage — but the detailed implementing regulations, including the precise scope of who is covered, have not yet been published. It is not yet confirmed whether domestic and childcare workers will fall under these municipal minimum wage rules.

We don't want to get ahead of the facts here. As soon as the implementation details are published, we'll review them and let our members know exactly what applies to nannies working in Zurich and Winterthur.

Where SNA stands

Fair, transparent pay is central to how we think about this profession. Recognising childcare as the skilled, professional work it is means recognising it in how nannies are paid, too. We welcome any measure — at the municipal, cantonal, or federal level — that improves working conditions and supports the people who care for Switzerland's children.

What's next

We'll publish an update as soon as the implementation timeline and scope are confirmed, including whether and how domestic workers are included. If you employ a nanny, or work as one, in Zurich or Winterthur, it's worth keeping an eye on this space over the coming months.

Based on Federal Supreme Court rulings 2C_28/2025 and 2C_30/2025, 12 May 2026