The Federal Constitution of Switzerland has guaranteed equal payment for equal work between men and women since 1981. The Federal Act on Gender Equality (GEA) regulates the most important instruments and rules of procedure regarding to an association action since 1996. One can file a suit in Switzerland if, for example, men and women are paid differently. Associations which promote the equality between men and women or safeguard the interests of employees can file a suit regarding wage discrimination, if more than one person is affected. Affected people do not have to consent. Arbitration needs to take place before leading an association action. The affected employer must have the possibility of giving a statement before calling the arbitration body and filing the suit. Only after an unsuccessful arbitration a suit can be filed. Association actions in the limits of this law are always declaratory actions. This means that discrimination is only determined.  Compensation cannot be claimed here. The approximation of wage needs to be achieved with another suit by the concerned individuals.