Fig.: SBB
The Swiss transport union SEV rejects the liberalization of rail transport currently proposed by the Swiss Federal Office of Transport (BAV). Neither working conditions nor cooperation are negotiable, as this would be detrimental to the well-functioning Swiss rail system.
“The SEV supports Switzerland’s bilateral approach with the EU, but rejects the liberalization of rail transport in Switzerland,” Hartwich explains. The Federal Council itself explicitly promoted the cooperation model in its report on the future market structure for long-distance transport just two years ago.
In particular, the SEV is against granting Flixtrain access to the Swiss network, even if there are only a few connections initially, according to SEV President Matthias Hartwich.
Image: Flixbus
Flixtrain is a ride-hailing platform like Uber and not a railway company. The low-cost provider purchases all services from subcontractors and therefore does not transport any passengers itself. This business model increases the risk of social dumping because it shifts employer responsibility to subcontractors.
Dumping prices on individual, well-frequented and therefore profitable routes such as Munich–Zurich or Berlin–Basel–Zurich are likely to ruin the financing of long-distance transport as a whole. "The SEV wants a social Europe," the SEV stated, "with regulated, good working conditions and strong rights for employees.".
