Civil Servant Negotiations Begin

It is expected that the government will present an offer. An agreement is unlikely to be reached today: "No one expects us to come to an end today," said Finance Minister Markus Marterbauer (SPÖ) before the talks began.

Civil Servant Negotiations: "Historic Moment" for Pröll

In fact, the union already has a legally secured salary agreement, as it was agreed last year to conclude 2026 with 0.3 percent above inflation. Given the bleak budget situation, the government has asked the union to reopen the package and enter into negotiations again. Last week, the employee representatives agreed to talks.

Civil Service State Secretary Alexander Pröll (ÖVP) called it a "historic moment" on Tuesday that a previously agreed salary increase is being renegotiated. He is "extremely grateful" to the union for this. Finance Minister Marterbauer also praised the approach of the employee representatives: "They don't have to do this." Thus, a revival of social partnership has been achieved.

The only leverage the government has is that a zero wage round for the public sector is planned for 2027 and 2028. Marterbauer has hinted in recent weeks that they could accommodate the union in this regard if they are flexible with the 2026 agreement. NEOS negotiator Martina von Künsberg Sarre appealed that a "societal effort" is needed given the budget situation.

The union representatives, led by a seemingly cheerful GÖD chief Eckehard Quin and younion chairman Christian Meidlinger, were not ready to make any statements before the meeting. Following the discussion, which is expected to last around three hours, statements from both sides are expected.

(APA/Red)

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