Viscom: No new CLA without a peace obligation

 The delegates of Viscom, the employers' association of the graphic arts industry, have determined what they consider to be the most important points for a new collective labor agreement. Negotiations for the new CLA are to begin in late fall. The association discussed the key points at its delegates' meeting in Lugano on April 18, 2008. Strikes are apparently to be prevented at all costs: Without an absolute peace obligation, there will be no new CLA, according to a statement. The obligation to maintain peace guarantees employment stability, the optimal use of production resources and the search for solutions based on partnership in the event of labor disputes. Viscom would also like to see more flexibility at company level and a streamlining of the existing regulations. According to the press release, the Viscom delegates are of the opinion that wages and bonuses are a company matter. And the new CLA must not impair members' national and international competitiveness. Greater flexibility must also be guaranteed, particularly with regard to working time models, so that companies can react more quickly to changing market conditions. Viscom hopes that a lean CLA will provide "a simple, comprehensible and contemporary framework".