Social Economy Collective Agreement: Unions Demand Increase Above Inflation Rate

At the start of talks about the collective agreement for health and social professions, the unions vida and GPA presented their demands to the Social Economy Austria (SWÖ) on Wednesday. For the approximately 130,000 employees, the employee representatives want a salary increase of four percent, according to a press release. "Pseudo-arguments" will not be accepted, said GPA chief negotiator Eva Scherz. The employers, on the other hand, see little room for maneuver.

Unions Insist on Real Wage Increase

"The social economy is not affected by any crisis: demand is rising, skilled workers are still desperately sought after," said Scherz. There is no competition with foreign corporations, but with domestic employers for qualified personnel. "Pseudo-arguments of cuts not yet implemented, which are intended to create uncertainty in advance, will not be accepted." The employees have "earned a fair wage and salary increase," the unionist stated, a settlement below the inflation rate is out of the question.

There are also demands regarding working hours and working conditions, and improvements will be sought here as well. "The issue of working hours, especially part-time, is important to our colleagues," said Michaela Guglberger, negotiator for the vida union. "Employers, who often struggle with staff shortages, should have a fundamental interest in creating attractive working conditions." In the social economy, around 70 percent of workers are women and 70 percent work part-time.

Pressure to Save "As Serious As Never Before"

From the SWÖ's perspective, the conditions due to the pressure to save are "as serious as never before" this year. There are reports of major savings in all federal states, according to a press release. The basis for the negotiations is the average inflation rate from November to October. "This year, however, it is primarily about maintaining the existing, securing jobs, and not endangering the organizations. The room for maneuver is extremely limited," emphasized Yvonne Hochsteiner, chief negotiator of the SWÖ.

SWÖ Chairman Erich Fenninger emphasized the importance of the sector as part of the public infrastructure. Many savings measures are not yet specifically known, and politics must ensure planning security and transparency here. Fenninger noted a discrepancy in state spending: "It cannot be that billions are invested in the military or road construction, while social services are under massive pressure."

The first real round of negotiations is scheduled for October 21. Last year, both sides agreed on a four percent increase after demonstrations and work stoppages in the third round. The new collective agreement will then apply from January 1, 2026.

(APA/Red)

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