SWISS Employees Approve New Collective Labor Agreement for Ground Staff

Employees of Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) have approved the new Collective Labor Agreement (CLA) for ground staff, which will enter into force on 1 January 2027. The new agreement improves employment conditions for employees while also providing the foundation for SWISS to remain successful and competitive in the long term.

With this positive vote, SWISS and the trade unions and staff associations representing its ground staff have established a shared foundation for the years ahead. The new Collective Labour Agreement is the result of constructive negotiations between SWISS and its social partners, SEV-GATA, the Swiss Commercial Association (Kaufmännischer Verband Schweiz), and VPOD Air Transport. It is valid for a minimum of five years.

The most significant changes include a reduction in contractual weekly working hours, adjustments to salary bands and allowances, improvements to occupational pension provisions, and enhanced maternity benefits as well as other social benefits.

"The clear approval of the new Collective Labor Agreement is a strong vote of confidence and demonstrates that, together with our social partners, we have found a balanced solution," says Jens Fehlinger, CEO of SWISS. "Our employees are the foundation of our success. I am therefore particularly pleased that this new agreement enables us to further improve key employment conditions while creating a strong basis for the continued success and future development of SWISS."

The previous Collective Labor Agreement has been in force since 2018 and was extended during the COVID-19 pandemic. Negotiations for a new agreement were initiated to jointly adapt the existing provisions to today's requirements and operating environment. The new Collective Labor Agreement will enter into force on 1 January 2027.