Media Report 17 September 2015
SEV-GATA has certain expectations of new Swiss management
Swiss must act Swiss way
The change at the top of Swiss management must be perceptible on both sides of industry. This is demanded by the trade union SEV-GATA in view of the announced organizational tightening within the parent company Lufthansa. Swiss’ strong contribution to the success of the group must be rewarded by staff benefits in Switzerland.
«We are open to the new Swiss CEO», says Philipp Hadorn, president SEV-GATA and union secretary SEV. Looking at his all German background he emphasizes: «Social partnership in Switzerland must be practiced according to our local rules, it should be strengthened and finally accepted as being of mutual benefit for both sides of industry».
«The discontent of ground staff, as shown in an employee questioning, must be taken seriously and the necessary measures must be negotiated with us», Philipp Hadorn indicates as a precaution, «afterwards it would be essential that the improvements made are consequently implemented.»
Hadorn, however, is concerned that the tightening of the group of companies could be made on the shoulders of its Swiss affiliate. «Swiss has essentially contributed to the success of the group and we expect that this will be appreciated in head office, particularly with regard to the working conditions.» His concerns are based on the experience made in previous years, when organizational tightening at Lufthansa had always resulted in painful cuts in Switzerland. «Without involving the unions such a project can only be bound to fail», Hadorn says. The human resources, in particular, required for the forthcoming challenges should be included in the plans.
With regard to Swiss Aviation Foundation expiring regularly this October, Philipp Hadorn, member of the national council of the canton of Solothurn, indicates: «Upon my motion the federal council recognized that there will be a demand for monitoring Swiss aviation altogether and its best possible integration into the international air transport market also in the future. Now we expect proof, especially to safeguard jobs.» Swiss has been rescued from the ashes of „Swissair“ thanks to two billion Swiss Francs of public money.
GATA: SEV Aviation (Groundstaff Aviation Technics and Administration) is the aviation department of the SEV, the transport staff union