Not acceptable under any standard. If there are serious issues to make it impossible to deliver luggage this "could" be justified as long as the passengers are notified and given an option.
Taking off with zero luggage on board and not advising passengers is simply unprofessional and outright dishonest moreover when the reason is staff shortage due to economic choices no doubt.
SWISS is not exactly a low cost airline and prides itself for service...well I would say this one doesn't give them credit.
As a mere SLF I usually PAY for my luggage and have the right to be told of its whereabouts, we are no longer in the era when buying an air ticket gave you an automatic 23kg allowance, we now pay for the "privilege" of having our belongings with us, be it for work, holiday or whatever..and it's up to the airline to make sure that passengers get what they pay for, all rest is pure nonsense.