Swiss Pilots Vote to Terminate Collective Employment Agreement
ZURICH - Swiss pilots overwhelmingly voted to terminate the collective employment agreement (GAV) with Swiss International Air Lines, a move Aeropers, the pilots’ union, attributes to a lack of willingness from management to address key concerns. The decision, confirmed today, sets the stage for renewed negotiations and raises the possibility of industrial action.
The termination follows a vote in which 1,214 out of 1,306 Aeropers members employed by Swiss cast valid ballots, with 1,032 – 85 percent – voting in favor of ending the GAV. Aeropers argues the current agreement fails to adequately address pilot concerns regarding operational planning and work-life balance.
“Swiss management showed little will to tackle these projects,” stated Aeropers, framing the termination as “only logical.” The union is now pushing for “rapid” renegotiations, seeking greater pilot influence over operational plans, including more guaranteed Fridays off and improved consideration of requests for preferred shift times.
Swiss, however, rejects the accusation of inaction. “In contrast: we have taken many measures to take the needs of our pilots into account,” said company spokesman Michael Pelzer. He highlighted the ongoing “Future Working Models” project, which aims to address pilot concerns while maintaining the airline’s economic viability.
The airline acknowledged the vote result but stated formal termination is not yet finalized. Swiss expressed regret over the decision and anticipates commencing collective bargaining agreement (CBA) negotiations next year. The situation unfolds against a backdrop of a shrinking Swiss fleet, despite maintaining pre-pandemic pilot numbers.
