Metals: Actual Wages to Increase by 1.8 Percent in 2026

On Friday, the union PRO-GE and the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (WKÖ) announced the result of the corresponding collective agreement negotiations in separate releases. According to WKÖ, the monthly wage increase in 2026 is capped at 85 euros. The collective agreement (KV) was concluded for two years: in 2027, there will be another wage increase of 1.8 percent.

"The overall package with permanent increases for two years secures the purchasing power of employees and provides the many small craft businesses with the necessary planning security in economically challenging times," said PRO-GE chief negotiator Reinhold Binder in the release. "With the realistic and moderate conclusion, it has been possible to provide companies with more planning security, more room for maneuver, and employees with positive future prospects," said Manfred Denk, chief negotiator on the employer side and chairman of the federal trade and craft division in the WKÖ.

Metal Industry: Climate Ticket for Apprentices

The collective agreement wages for the 120,000 workers in the industry, according to the union, are to increase by 2.2 percent at the turn of the year - and again by 2 percent at the beginning of 2027. From next January, the dirt, hardship, and hazard allowance, the assembly allowance, and the allowance for the second shift will also be increased by 2.2 percent. Expense allowances will rise by 2 percent, and the mileage allowance will be increased to 50 cents. Furthermore, a phased plan has been agreed upon until 2029 to raise the allowance for the third shift or night work to 4 euros.

With the agreed increase, apprentices in the first year of apprenticeship will receive at least 1,000 euros from January. After completing the apprenticeship, a starting salary of at least 3,000 euros per month will apply for skilled workers. The approximately 19,000 apprentices will also receive a climate ticket at the company's expense.

Actual Wages Increase by 1.8 Percent in 2026

According to the WKÖ release, the collective agreement is valid for the sectors "metal technicians, tinsmiths and coppersmiths, installers, electrical/alarm/building technicians, mechatronics technicians, automotive and vehicle technicians, gold/silversmiths, jewelers and watchmakers, as well as opticians/orthopedic technicians/bandage makers and hearing aid acousticians".

(APA/Red)

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