AGVS: Garage owners take responsibility
OPEN LETTER Switzerland finds itself in an extraordinary situation. Urs Wernli, Central President of the AGVS, comments on the current situation in the sector as a result of the Federal Council's measures. Many tradespeople have had to close their businesses from one day to the next. The automotive industry is systemically relevant for national supply and mobility and may continue to operate, at least in part. [...]
Many tradespeople had to close their businesses from one day to the next. The automotive industry is essential for national supply and mobility and is allowed to continue working, at least in part.
Nevertheless, the crisis is restricting us - both professionally and privately. We are burdened by concerns about the health of our employees and our loved ones, while at the same time many business questions are waiting for answers. The uncertainty about how long this situation will last is stressful.
Basic tenor is confident
The corona crisis will leave a clear skid mark. This applies to almost all companies in the Swiss automotive industry and therefore also to the AGVS.
Over the past few days, the employees at the head office have held many discussions. The basic tone of the feedback from the sections and, above all, from garage owners is encouraging.
Preparing for after the crisis
Garage owners are taking their entrepreneurial responsibility seriously and are doing everything they can to keep the business running whenever possible. This also includes preparing their business for the time after the crisis. Many companies have introduced short-time working and asked employees to reduce overtime and vacation.
Others use the time to complete work that is left undone during normal operations. For example, they optimize their online presence or carry out maintenance work on the infrastructure.
Challenges for the automotive industry
As the crisis began to take shape, the AGVS formed a task force to stay in constant contact with the authorities, our members and representatives of the AGVS sections. The necessary measures are being coordinated with partner organizations such as SGV, ASTAG, carrosserie suisse, auto-schweiz and strasseschweiz.
Contact with the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (Seco) made it possible to obtain answers to important questions quickly.
Great need for information
The AGVS legal service deals with numerous inquiries. The newsdesk provides the industry with reliable information and important documents on an ongoing basis via the website. There is a great need for relevant information.
Occupational health and safety
The health of employees and customers is our top priority. The information on occupational safety and health protection provided by the BAZ industry solution also helps to fulfill this duty of care. Despite the closure of training and further education centers and the cancellation of courses, the approximately 2,700 apprenticeship graduates should still receive their federal certificates of competence and professional certificates this year.
Strong support from Bern
In addition to the commitment of our members and their employees, the swift assistance provided by the Federal Council is also encouraging. The possibility of receiving immediate financial aid and compensation for short-time working is a clear sign that the seriousness of the situation has been recognized in Bern. This aid can ease the worries of some companies. I very much hope that normal operations will gradually resume in a few weeks' time and that the losses can be partially offset.
