Better Working Conditions for Bus Drivers: Several Rallies in Austria
Under the motto "Because we're worth it!" representatives of the union and works councils protested in front of the Chamber of Commerce in Vienna and in front of the WK headquarters in six state capitals. They are demanding, among other things, a reduction in working hours and a Sunday bonus for bus drivers.
For the action, the alliance, which includes the vida union, the Vienna Chamber of Labour and Fridays for Future, has collected more than 7,000 declarations of support from drivers and passengers, which were handed over to the WKÖ in the federal capital today. The list of their concerns is long: In addition to improvements in working hours and bonuses, they are calling for new regulations on night work and generally longer leisure corridors for workers. "We want the profession of bus driver to become attractive again," summarised Markus Petritsch from vida in a conversation with the APA.
Better Working Conditions: Protests Ahead of Next Round of Collective Bargaining
The union wants to enforce the improvements within the framework of collective bargaining in the bus industry, which will enter the second round tomorrow, Friday. In particular, it is concerned with night and Sunday bonuses, which are likely to be the sticking point in the talks. There is currently dissatisfaction among employee representatives that the Chamber of Commerce wants to discuss the issue within the framework of working groups. "These working groups are not binding," criticises Petritsch, who detects a "delaying tactic" on the part of the employers.
Chamber of Commerce: Want to "Continuously" Improve Conditions for Bus Drivers
The Chamber of Commerce itself did not directly address the rallies in a press release, but committed to "continuously" improving the working conditions of the drivers. The head of the professional association, Martin Horvath, also referred to the currently valid entry-level wage, which is above that of the metal workers. He sees the working groups as "proven", they would provide a framework for constructive dialogue.
In addition to Vienna, the action also took place in Graz, Klagenfurt, Linz, Salzburg, Innsbruck and Bregenz. According to the union, around 400 people participated nationwide.
(APA/Red)
This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.