airBaltic's Swiss subsidiary still awaits permit; union concerned about social guarantees
The airBaltic's subsidiary in Switzerland has not yet received approval to start operations, while the aviation union warns that pilots' social guarantees may deteriorate after renegotiating contracts.
The Swiss entity established by Latvia's national airline airBaltic is still waiting for institutional approval before it can begin operations. The company says the subsidiary was created to support export services. Meanwhile, the aviation workers' union has expressed concerns that moving pilots to work in another country and renewing their contracts could weaken their social guarantees.
Latvian Radio is investigating why airBaltic chose to set up a subsidiary in Switzerland and what risks this may pose to employee rights. Union representatives point out that if employment agreements are concluded under the laws of another country, workers may lose some of the social benefits and protections currently available in Latvia.
The situation highlights broader issues around labor mobility in the aviation sector and how companies adapt their structures in international markets. While airBaltic emphasizes that the Swiss subsidiary is meant to facilitate export services, the union insists on the need for clarity regarding workers' social security.
It remains unclear when the necessary license will be granted, but discussions about working conditions and guarantees continue. Latvian Radio is pursuing its investigation to provide a more detailed look at the reasons behind the establishment of this subsidiary and the potential consequences.
