SWISS Boss Says Airline Cabin Crew Wages Will Rise
Starting next month, SWISS International Air Lines cabin crew might be
welcomed by a salary increase. The positive news was released by the
airline's CEO, who stated that the pay rise is an attempt to retain
staff and offset the increased living costs induced by inflation.
SWISS CEO Dieter Vranckx announced that cabin crew wages will likely increase starting next month. The choice stems from two main reasons; first, staff shortages that are causing unprecedented chaos in Europe and, secondly, the increased living costs brought about by inflation.
SWISS' number of employees started to decrease with the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic. According to the Lufthansa Group's annual reports, by the end of 2021 the number of SWISS employees, a total of 8,743, had contracted by 13% compared to 2020 and by 17% compared to 2019. However, with the progressive relaxation of travel restrictions in 2022, airlines have been facing pent-up demand for which they were not prepared, at least in terms of workforce. To make things worse, Europe has been swept away by a wave of inflation. Living costs have therefore been increasing, with inflation reaching a record-high of 8.9% in the Eurozone in July.
"Currently, the starting salary for an entry-level SWISS cabin crew is $4,170 per month. Although this might sound like a lot, it should be borne in mind that Switzerland is one of the countries in Europe with the highest living costs, which are now being hit by inflation. Hence, the decision of the carrier to adjust the salary upwards."
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