Labour Day in Liechtenstein
Liechtenstein marks Labour Day, or Tag der Arbeit, on 1 May. The date is a statutory public holiday under the Labour Act, which treats it like a Sunday for restrictions on work in industry, trade and commerce.[1][2]
A fixed date in Liechtenstein’s law
Article 18 of the Labour Act lists 1 May among the country’s statutory holidays and equates those holidays with Sundays for its rules on Sunday work. The Act concerns work in industry, trade and commerce; it does not establish that every worker in every sector has the day off.[1]
The law names 1 May as the holiday date. It does not provide for a replacement day when 1 May falls on a weekend.[1]
How the holiday became a public holiday
The Landtag passed a bill on 22 December 1969 that made 1 May a statutory holiday and placed it on the same footing as Sundays.[2]
The change kept the number of days off unchanged: 8 September was removed as a state-recognised holiday, with the agreement of the relevant Catholic church authorities. The feast of the Nativity of Mary had been well established in the population, and the change was controversial for some people.[2]
What the rules mean for work and shops
The Labour Act generally prohibits Sunday work and allows exceptions under specified conditions, including permits for temporary work when an urgent need is shown. It also says an employer may not require an employee to work on a Sunday without that employee’s consent; these provisions apply to 1 May because the Act equates the holiday with Sunday.[1]
The national administration says work in trade and industry generally ceases on public holidays, subject to authorised exceptions. Its shop-opening guidance identifies 1 May as a public holiday and says certain businesses, including catering, passenger transport and service stations, may open without a permit; other shop openings can require authorisation.[3][4]
A public holiday rather than a national celebration
Liechtenstein’s official list of annual government dates identifies the National Day on 15 August, while Labour Day is listed separately as 1 May in the official holiday overview. No customary ceremony, particular food or recurring public event is listed for Labour Day.[3][5]
Frequently asked questions
Is Labour Day a public holiday in Liechtenstein?
Yes. The Labour Act lists 1 May as a statutory holiday and treats it like a Sunday for its work rules.[1]
When is Labour Day observed?
It is observed on 1 May. The law reviewed names that date and does not specify a weekend replacement day.[1]
Do all workers have the day off?
The law equates 1 May with Sunday for its rules covering industry, trade and commerce. It does not establish a day off for every worker in every sector, and it allows certain exceptions to the work restrictions.[1]
Sources and references
Sources used for Labour Day in Liechtenstein:
- Arbeitsgesetz (ArG)- Lilex – Gesetzesdatenbank des Fürstentums Liechtenstein
- Berichte und Anträge: Bericht und Antrag betreffend die Abänderung des Arbeitsgesetzes- Government of Liechtenstein
- Feiertage in Liechtenstein- Liechtenstein Marketing
- Permission to keep open stores- Liechtenstein National Administration, Office of Economic Affairs
- Annual dates- Liechtenstein National Administration