Member Mail 11 / 2024
Merry Christmas and All the Best in 2025!
- Wage Negotiations
- Peko Elections at Swiss
- Boroscope Allowance at Swiss
- Recognition of Work Experience at Swiss-Technik
- Break Regulations at Swiss
- New Rules for Flex-Band Tours at Swissport Zurich
Dear Colleagues
We are at the end of a rather intense year. While other industries suffer greatly from economic recession, the aviation sector has shown no significant volatility.
Wage Negotiations
The results of wage negotiations in the aviation industry are, of course, not entirely satisfactory but acceptable when compared across industries. At Swissport Geneva, compensation for inflation (August index) is guaranteed. At Swissport Zurich, this year’s inflation was fully accounted for, alongside a one-time payment of CHF 500 per full-time equivalent (FTE). Employees at Swiss will receive a 2% general wage increase on base wages (minimum CHF 100/month for full-time positions) with corresponding adjustments to wage bands, plus a one-time bonus of CHF 2,000 per FTE.
Peko Elections at Swiss
There have been two rounds of replacement elections for a Peko seat in the technical department. Nicole Neuenhöfer and Sava Nestorov, two members of ours, were among the candidates. On December 4, Swiss announced Nicole Neuenhöfer as the winner of the election. A big thank-you to both candidates, and congratulations to Nicole! A formal election complaint has been received within the deadline and is now being reviewed.
Boroscope Allowance at Swiss
The Boroscope allowance, as defined in the CLA, was previously set at CHF 30/month—a rate widely regarded as insufficient for implementing the new concept. Following a petition initiated by employees and supported by SEV-GATA, we obtained a mandate for negotiations. After thorough discussions, we succeeded in getting Swiss to quadruple the allowance. Although CHF 120/month does not fully meet our demands, this adjustment represents a noticeable improvement in wages.
Recognition of Work Experience at Swiss-Technik
We have finally achieved a milestone in the longstanding dispute over a transparent recognition system for work experience in the wages for technical staff. To ensure progress, we had to go as far as to threaten representing an individual member in court. Now, years of work experience (licensed or unlicensed) will be credited at a factor of 0.5 when transitioning to an engineering role. Some colleagues should benefit from this, though Swiss has already signaled its intention to renegotiate the system with us in the near future.
Break Regulations at Swiss
With the amendment to the agreement regarding shifts in Swiss Technics Maintenance, we can present some adjustments to time tracking: meal breaks +/- 3 minutes, shift start +10 minutes/-5 minutes, and shift end +/- 5 minutes.
New Rules for Flex-Band and Tours at Swissport Zürich
Significant improvements have been made, including a new maximum of 52 Flex-Band tours per year (max. 2 per week per employee), limiting Flex start/end shifts to a 1-hour variation, and requiring notification by 5 PM the day before (previously 6 PM).
This year, we have seen noticeable improvements in the quality of social partnerships, allowing for solutions that better address the needs of employees.
I would like to thank Regula Pauli, Sheila Belometti, Pablo Guarino, and Ariane Mose from the SEV aviation team, who work with me to represent SEV-GATA’s interests; Dominik Fischer, Sandra Häfeli, Andreas Marti, and Remy Blum, who serve on the board; and Thomas Krause, Sven Schäfle, and Sandro Kern, who act as trusted representatives for SEV-GATA.
Thank you to all colleagues who bring their concerns to us, giving us the opportunity to find solutions. Thank you for sharing SEV-GATA’s success with pride, recruiting new members, and strengthening our impact.
All that remains is to wish you peaceful Christmas holidays and all the best for the New Year! We will continue working hard in 2025—with your support and solidarity!
Best wishes,
Philipp Hadorn, President & Union Secretary SEV
SEV-GATA, your union in the aviation industry!
Philipp Hadorn, President GATA: SEV-Aviation
/ www.sev-gata.ch / www.sev-online.ch