On 15 January 2015 Swiss-based Viking River Cruises announced that all employees on its Swiss-flagged vessel would be paid in Euros — a move which effectively means a 13% pay cut for staff. Nautilus International is calling on the company to reverse this decision and honour existing terms and conditions.
Our demands
1) reinstatement or - if this is not desired by them - compensation for the four sacked employees.
2) Revision of wages in the new, revised contracts. The old CHF wages should be fixed at an exchange rate in euros which the crews can accept.
3) Setting up of a Works Council with the participation and support of Nautilus International under the terms of the Swiss Federal Act 822.14
4) Negotiations with Nautilus International to agree on a collective agreement. This should include wage bands for function groups.
We just returned from a Viking Cruise. Viking does not promote generous tipping. I tipped more than the suggested amount and tipped individuals as well. Viking should pay a living wage. The people who work for them make the company what it is. The employees are fabulous and should be treated and paid well.