Born in Bözingen (now part of Biel/Bienne), Bratschi found work with the Swiss Federal Railways, becoming a station master, and then an administrative worker.
He joined the Swiss Railwaymen's Association (SEV), and was elected as its general secretary in 1920.
[1] At the end of 1953, Bratschi stood down from all his trade union positions, to become a director of the Bern–Lötschberg–Simplon railway.
He remained politically active, and in 1957/58, served as President of the National Council of Switzerland.
He supported the SP accepting seats on the Federal Council, and played a key role in agreeing the "magic formula" in 1959, which enabled them to do so.