Against the increase in foreigners – players’ strike in the National League – sport

What a demonstration in the Swiss ice hockey stadiums: the players of the Swiss National League clubs went on strike together on Saturday night.

All five games in the Swiss top league started successfully. But after the first confrontation, the players refused to work in all the stadiums and retired to the players’ bench. In doing so, they protested the expected increase in foreigners.

Players throw banners

“Young people are our future, fans are our backbone and ice hockey is our life,” it said on posters displayed by players on player benches in all five National League stadiums. After 2 minutes, the games continued as planned.

The strike was organized and coordinated by the players’ union SIHPU. The players’ union was supported by all the fan clubs of the National League teams.

Foreigners show solidarity

Only the players knew. Foreigners and Swiss licensed foreign players showed solidarity with their Swiss colleagues and also participated in the strike.

SIHPU President Jonas Hiller announced shortly after the league’s decision that players would defend themselves from league action.