Geneva Museum Cleaning Staffer Fired After Supporting Son Through Suicide Attempt Sparks Outrage
A geneva museum cleaning employee,identified only as Rosa,was dismissed from her position after taking time off to support her son following a suicide attempt,igniting a firestorm of criticism and raising questions about worker protections in Switzerland. Teh case, first reported by 20 minutes, highlights the precarious position of workers employed by subcontracting companies and the potential for harsh repercussions when navigating personal crises.
Rosa, employed by a subcontracting company working with the Musée d’art et d’histoire (MAH) in Geneva, immediately went to her son’s bedside on October 25. She took a scheduled day off on October 27 and returned to work, but soon faced a challenging situation. At the request of medical professionals who believed her presence aided her son’s recovery, Rosa requested an additional four days of leave in early November. Her employer denied the request, citing an weary vacation balance.
She was ultimately granted two days of sick leave,but upon returning to work on November 7,Rosa received notice of her termination. Initially, the stated reason was “restructuring.” However, just four days later, the employer revealed the true basis for the dismissal: accusations of “three distinct absences” since September.
The decision sent shockwaves through the museum staff, where Rosa was described as a beloved and valued employee. “We are really in shock,” confirmed Bettina Jacot-descombes, a staff representative. “We’ve been seeing Rosa every day for two years, our relationship has always been fluid. We don’t understand, we are ready to support her until the end. We really want her to come back.”
A colleague expressed the widespread sentiment, stating, “Humanly, where are we, here…? These processes are not possible!”
The museum’s management also voiced strong disapproval of the firing. “The management […] does not endorse at all. We find it completely normal that Rosa went to her son’s bedside,” insisted Valère Borruat, the deputy director of the establishment.However, the museum acknowledged its limited power, explaining that the cleaning contract was signed by the City of Geneva, not directly by the MAH.
As a result, the Interprofessional Workers’ Union (SIT) is now urging the municipal team to exert pressure on the cleaning company to reinstate Rosa. The union argues that the dismissal was unjust and insensitive, given the remarkable circumstances.
However, the path to resolution remains uncertain.Alfonso Gomez,in charge of contracts with the cleaning company in Geneva,explained,”This particular case concerns a contractual relationship between the person concerned and the company.”
Why did this happen? Rosa was fired after requesting additional leave to support her son following a suicide attempt. Her employer initially cited “restructuring” but later claimed the dismissal was due to prior absences.
Who was involved? Rosa, the cleaning employee; the Musée d’art et d’histoire (MAH); the subcontracting cleaning company; the Interprofessional Workers’ Union (SIT); and museum staff.
What was the outcome? Rosa was terminated, sparking outrage. The union is now pressuring the City of Geneva to intervene and reinstate her.
How did it end? As of this report, the situation remains unresolved. The union is advocating for Rosa’s reinstatement, but the cleaning company maintains the dismissal was contractually justified. The case is
