The Swiss Workers' Party (German: Partei der Arbeit der Schweiz, French: Parti Suisse du Travail - Parti Ouvrier et Populaire, Italian: Partito Svizzero del Lavoro) is a socialist party in Switzerland.
The party was founded in 1944 by the illegal Communist Party of Switzerland . On May 21 the constituent conference of the Basel Federation of the party was held. On October 14-15 the same year the first Parteitag of the party was held in Zürich. Léon Nicole was elected president and Karl Hofmaier General Secretary.
On October 6-7 1945 the Second Parteitag was held in Geneva. By this time the party has 20 000 members. On November 30-December 1 the 3rd Parteitag in Zürich.
On July 27 a Swiss Party Conference was held in Bern. Karl Hofmaier was removed from his position due to a financial scandal.
In the national elections of 1947 the party receives 5,1% of votes.
On July 4-6 1949 the 4th Parteitag was held. Steps to strengthen the organization as a Cadre Party are taken. Edgar Woog elected General Secretary. 4. bis 6. Juni: 4. Parteitag der PdAS in Basel. Stärkere Ausrichtung auf eine Kaderpartei hin: Förderung der Schulung, stärkeres Gewicht auf Betriebszellen gelegt. Wahl von Edgar Woog zum Generalsekretär.
In 1950 the party works intensively for the Stockholm Peace Appeal . 260 000 signatures are collected in Switzerland.
On May 31-June 2 1952 the 5th Parteitag is held in Geneva. On December 7 the Central Committe expells Léon Nicole from the party.
On May 28-30 6th Parteitag in Geneva.
On May 16-18 1959 7th Parteitag in Geneva. A new party programme aproved with the concept of antimonopolistic unity, "Swiss Road to Socialism" (inspired by similar programme of the Communist Party of Great Britain).
On May 16-18 1964 8th Parteitag in Geneva. 1964 16. bis 18. Mai: 8. Parteitag der PdAS in Genf.
It is associated with the European United Left - Nordic Green Left group in the European Parliament, although Switzerland is not in the EU.
