NO to the amendment of the Civilian Service Act on June 14, 2026
The civilian service association Civiva has launched a referendum against the planned tightening of the Civilian Service Act, which has been successful. The debate not only concerns the future of civilian service - it also affects those areas in which those performing civilian service do indispensable work today.
With the planned amendment to the law, the Federal Council would like to reduce the number of new civilian service members by around 40 percent. This would have a noticeable impact on many companies: civilians provide support where help is urgently needed - in care facilities, schools, social institutions and in nature and environmental protection. Their deployment strengthens social cohesion, relieves the burden on skilled workers and enables work to be carried out that would otherwise be virtually impossible.
The reduction would also have far-reaching consequences for the environmental sector. Civilians help to promote biodiversity, combat neophytes and support forests and farms in times of increasing climate extremes. It is precisely because resources in the environmental sector are often scarce that civilians do work that contributes directly to the stability of our natural and cultural landscapes.
The Bergwaldprojekt is one of the largest civilian service organizations in the canton of Graubünden - and civilians are an important part of the team. As trained group leaders, they carry out forestry work, accompany and instruct volunteers, support the project management in the organization, take care of transport and tool maintenance and help out in the kitchen and accommodation. These tasks make it possible to carry out projects of the current quality and size.
Civilian service is also much more than a compulsory service for the young people themselves: it offers them the opportunity to take on responsibility, learn team leadership, develop practical skills and make a direct contribution to the environment and society. These experiences shape - and strengthen them on their future professional and personal path.
Thanks to the successful referendum, the planned amendment to the Civilian Service Act will be put to the vote on June 14, 2026. The Bergwaldprojekt recommends that all voters vote NO.