Membermail 4/2010
The volcano
AVIG referendum
Job cuts
Labour Day message
5. May GM SEV-GATA
Dear members,
The volcano
Volcano is paralyzing aviation – and also countless business travellers and tourists.
The consequences for the industry are serious, however the full extent is not yet forseeable.
In fact for many of our members aircraft on ground don’t mean less work, but additional work. Employees in the aviation industry have shown once more that they keep cool even in extreme situations doing an excellent job.
The unions – in association with the European Transport Worker’s Federation ETF – demand that aviation companies hold out in the momentary situation and don’t try to make adjustments or avoid current (collective labour) agreements. We demand that they neither aim at the holiday pay nor other means of having the employed bear the consequences of the volcano and that they won’t decide or take any job cutting measures.
Furthermore ETF, the European Union Commission, suggest to organize a meeting of all stake holders (officials, industry and union authorities) working out measures to alleviate the economic consequences of a catastrophy like that.
SEV-GATA was gratified to hear that so far no member needed to blame its company for infringements in connection with crisis management.
AVIG referendum
In the middle of the crisis it was determined that unemployment benefits should be drastically cut. Considerable cutbacks are to be expected for young employees. This is not acceptable and will lead to unbearable sociopolitical conditions in Switzerland.
The unions decided to take the initiative and to provoke a referendum. The collection of signatures is still going on. A list of signatures has been included in our last “kontakt” edition, it may as well be ordered from us.
Job cuts
Job cutting measures at LTSW are in full swing. Thanks to the union’s intervention the number of colleagues (male or female) to be dismissed could be reduced by at least more than 10%.
Should any problems arise in connection with applying the social plan, we are ready to help our members if requested and check their final statement. Please send us your authorization (see Application for Legal Cost Insurance on our website) and your last pay slip.
Labour Day Message
On Labour Day 2010 thousands of workers will participate in demonstrations around the globe.
Elitist gamblers have swept the world into a crisis. Employees have to pay the bill. Unemployment is not going down. But the arrogance of the soldiers of fortune is rising. They were only just a little ashamed of the desaster they have caused. Soon again they were raising their bonus claims without blushing with shame.
At the top people are living the high life, at the bottom people tighten their belts as usually: Things can’t go on like this. We oppose and demand: Employment, pay and pension instead of profit and greed!
The unions stand for a world respecting the people regardless of their bank account. They stand for equal pay regardless of sex, equal opportunities regardless of the passport, sustainability and solidarity regardless of national borders. There is a lot of wealth in our world. It only should be better distributed.
SEV-GATA members are asked to come to the local Labour Day demonstration on 1 May.
GM SEV-GATA on 5 May
Last call: Our annual meeting will take place on 5 May 2010, at 18.15h in Olten. Please note: sign in by 30 April 2010 latest.
With committed regards,
SEV-GATA your union of the aviation industry
Philipp Hadorn, President
www.sev-gata.ch / www.sev-online.ch