The SMPV strengthens its position as an active member of the cultural sector in 2026
As reported in the last issue of SMZ, the Assembly of Delegates in November 2025 voted by a large majority to remain in the Swiss Federation of Trade Unions (SGB). This strengthens the backing of the Central Committee and encourages it to actively move forward on trade union issues and tackle topics that will bring improvements for music teachers.
The last few years have been dedicated to restructuring the association, in which the SMPV has redefined itself as a purely professional association after outsourcing its tried-and-tested private professional musical training. Now, with this confirmation of membership of the SGB, a further milestone has been set that will have a lasting impact on the SMPV's new image. The SMPV is now young, active, combative and full of ideas.
The first fruits are already evident: for example, the SMPV was invited to the hearings on the 2029 - 2032 cultural message - something that would have been unimaginable a few years ago! The SMPV has developed into an active, reliable, communicative and strong partner in the cultural sector and has definitely left its introspection behind.
Many trade unions come together in the SGB and discuss common goals without losing sight of their individual objectives. It is like an orchestra in which every single instrument counts individually, but only the totality of all of them produces the enjoyable overall sound. This togetherness creates a strength that goes far beyond what individual trade unions and professional associations can achieve. That's why membership is worthwhile, because our issues, which are unimportant to most Swiss people, are given a weight by this body that the SMPV could never give them on its own.
Membership is even worthwhile when topics are dealt with that do not directly affect us music teachers. They affect us because our neighbor might get better working conditions, be happier and greet us more friendly. Or they affect us because we can follow suit with our concerns in a second step.
We are a community and we are all only as well off as the poorest and weakest among us are. It is also like an orchestra, which is only as good as its weakest member. Strengthening the weak means strengthening the community and therefore everyone.
In our age of individualization, community is a very valuable counterbalance that needs to be cultivated, even if it is not in. It is solidarity with others, compassion, that makes the community strong and creates a sense of togetherness. And that is probably the best remedy against the envy, hatred and loneliness that we unfortunately encounter all too often today.
This is a very important reason to be a member of an association: it unites people with similar or even the same interests, creates a network, a feeling of togetherness, of being held and supported, which counteracts collective isolation. It may be „uncool“ these days to be organized in an association or even to do voluntary and unpaid board work there, but that is exactly what is needed nowadays. We are social beings who need to be together in order to be happy.
The SMPV lives this community, it maintains its network and it is open to all professional music teachers who wish to participate. Because only together are we strong.
With this in mind, the SMPV wishes you a successful and happy new year! Together with the other associations in the music industry and the SGB, it will continue to stand up for the interests of music teachers! May we all be strong together!
