Salary claim

A salary claim arises from an employment contract, collective agreement or mandatory law. In Switzerland it covers base pay and, where applicable, bonuses with salary character, allowances, commissions, overtime compensation, vacation pay and continued salary during certain absences. The employee must usually show the employment relationship, the agreed remuneration and the period worked or legally payable. Employers may raise defences such as payment, set-off within limits, lack of entitlement or prescription. Wage protection rules restrict deductions and waivers, especially during ongoing employment.