Having gently moved away from the point (this is Pprune after all), Mister Geezer asked a pertinent question that no-one has actually answered!
To my knowledge, Swiss European are NOT taking any CONTRACT Captains on at all.
However if they were, the treatment of the contract pilots by the Swiss pilots (and Cabin crew) would no doubt be fair.
Swiss European have had a number of CONTRACT First Officers from the beginning of the year, a couple of whom are good friends of mine, who are still there. They have been extremely well treated by the directly employed crews, and have felt very welcomed, despite all the problems between pilots and company.
All may not be rosy at Swiss (where is actually?), but the Swiss crew have been nothing but nice about it. Most of the time it is the behaviour of the Contractor that governs how well they are received.
A lot of people criticise the Swiss as being cold. However, I am English and have lived here for 4 years, and actually find them very warm, amusing and accommodating. If you make the effort to follow their 'codes of conduct', you have no problems at all!
The old guard at Swissair were difficult (but think BA, Air France, Lufthansa...do I need to go on!!), but most of the current crew simply want to do a job, be paid fairly for it and get on with their lives like everyone else.
Therefore, Mister Geezer, if the opportunity comes up, give it a go, and see what happens. Pilots are people after all, and they are either nice or not, and that does not change the world over!
Just my thoughts.
BD