The Swiss pilots, represented by the Aeropers union, almost unanimously voted for a strike. An ultimatum is now being set: If the next two negotiation dates with company boss Dieter Vranckx do not lead to any rapprochement, work is to be stopped.

Aeropers announced that 97,2 percent of the members flying in the Swiss cockpit took part in the ballot. Of these, 95,9 percent would have given their consent to possible strikes. The union uses the support of its members to increase the pressure on CEO Vranckx.

It is publicly stated that the appointments already agreed for October 22nd and 23rd, 2023 will be awaited. If there is no significant rapprochement in the negotiations with the Swiss boss, they will only call for a walkout. “We want a solution at the negotiating table. However, should the CEO fail to take advantage of this opportunity, we are prepared to enforce the legitimate interests of our members with lawful industrial action,” says Clemens Kopetz, President of the Pilots' Association.

The union and Swiss have not been able to agree on a new collective labor agreement for a long time. Offers were received from employees rejected as insufficient. The Swiss pilots have not had a valid GAV for some time. Aeropers considers this situation to be intolerable.