Zurich voters decide on changes to teachers' preparation time and workload

Zurich's electorate voted on a revision of the Lehrpersonalgesetz that would adjust how teachers are compensated for lesson preparation. Under one outlet system, a lesson factor of 58 translates to 24.5 minutes of paid preparation per 45-minute class; the amendment proposes a factor of 59, raising that to about 25.3 minutes. Additionally, the bill would increase the annual workload credit for class teachers from 100 to 160 hours, effectively reducing the number of hours they must work for the same salary.

The referendum faced opposition from 99 municipalities as well as the SVP and FDP, while the SP, GLP, Mitte, EVP and AL backed the measure. The Statistisches Amt planned to release preliminary results after the voting closed at noon, based on sufficient municipal returns. The outcome will determine whether teachers receive the intended time relief.