Bus Driver Collective Agreement - Mutual Accusations Made

Under the motto "Hands off the right to strike!" the employees are venting their anger in front of the bus company Dr. Richard in Vienna. According to reports, some bus operators hindered the protests a week ago through disruptive actions. The union vida spoke of a "restriction of the democratically guaranteed right to strike." Dr. Richard sharply rejected this.

According to the union, employers spread false information claiming that employees had to register for the strike the day before. Before and during the strike, there were also threats of dismissal. Attempts were made to intimidate drivers deliberately by calling the police or by maintaining special "strike lists."

Dr. Richard Responds

"With all emphasis, Dr. Richard rejects the baseless allegations and unfair methods of the union vida," wrote the largest private bus company in the German-speaking area, according to its own statements, on Thursday in response to the accusations. They stand by social partnership and are in the best agreement with their works council. There were no attempts at intimidation or threats against employees around the strike call. "Quite the opposite," wrote Dr. Richard, "Employees were partially pressured by students paid with vouchers to participate in the strike against their convictions. There were also reports of insults towards employees willing to work by external strike participants. Of course, employees can exercise their right to strike and would never be dismissed because of it."

Negotiations for Bus Drivers' Collective Agreement Continue

On March 5, the haggling over the 2025 collective agreement for the approximately 12,000 bus drivers continues. If no agreement is reached then, the protest measures will be expanded, warns vida chairman Roman Hebenstreit on Thursday in a statement. And regarding the alleged obstructions of the strike measures, the unionist emphasized: "The 'Orbanization' of our democracy must be counteracted."

(APA/Red)

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.