After several months of intensive negotiations, Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) has concluded that Aeropers pilots’ association (Aeropers) is unwilling to commit to adequate contributions in response to the current crisis. “Without substantial contributions and an expanded scope of action during the coronavirus crisis, we believe it would be irresponsible from a corporate and a business perspective to retain the present collective labor agreement,” explains SWISS Chief Operating Officer Thomas Frick.
SWISS is therefore keeping to its original demand of negotiating a new collective labor agreement for its cockpit personnel. To this end, the company has served ordinary notice to terminate the present CLA on March 31, 2022, the first possible date for doing so, and invites Aeropers to enter into negotiations in good time on a new collective labor agreement. SWISS initiated negotiations with the Aeropers pilots’ association in August 2020.
Like the rest of the global airline industry, SWISS has been severely affected by the coronavirus pandemic. In the first nine months of 2020 the company sustained an operating loss of more than CHF 400 million and saw its passenger numbers decline by around 70%. On top of this, the company is currently drawing on a state-backed bank loan facility of up to CHF 1.5 billion which it plans to repay as soon as possible.
In response to these developments, SWISS has subjected itself to a rigorous cost-saving program. Substantial cost economies are essential in all corporate areas. And with these aims in mind, crisis agreements extending over several years have been concluded with the company’s social partners for its ground and its cabin personnel.