Union Against Zero Wage Rounds Ahead of Autumn Wage Negotiations

"We will not negotiate about that, that is completely clear," said the chairman of the production union, Reinhold Binder, to the "Kleine Zeitung". However, he left a back door open.

Union points to rolling inflation

"The inflation adjustment is not a set mantra. It requires measures that, in total, strengthen purchasing power," explained Binder. In times of crisis, "it may be necessary to take steps with a lot of creativity and vigilance." Fundamentally, he said to the employers: "The focus is on inflation, the rolling inflation rate is 2.8 percent. You can play the game with zero wage rounds, but then the negotiations will be intense and very long."

Demand for full compensation for minimum pensioners

Regarding pensions, Binder, who is also a member of the National Council for the SPÖ, is open to discussion. Is a pension agreement below the adjustment value of 2.7 percent conceivable for him? "Many things are conceivable. You have to be able to look the affected people in the eye and have a good perspective on it. It would be incomprehensible why minimum pensioners should not receive full compensation," he said to the "Kleine Zeitung".

(APA/Red)

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