He said he could understand the criticism in statements to several media outlets. However, he does not want to change the salary adjustment: The increase of 4.2 percent in the second half of the year will happen. Mahrer defended his personal earnings with "a lot of responsibility," and explained the partly massive increases for regional chamber presidents with a "system change".
After heavy criticism of the comparatively generous salary adjustments of 4.2 percent (above inflation) in the Economic Chamber on Wednesday, Mahrer initially spoke of reducing the planned increase for employees - but later he qualified his statements. Initially, there was talk of halving it to 2.1 percent, but in reality, there will be no increase at all in the first half of the year, and in the second half, there will be an increase of 4.2 percent. This means the starting value for the following year is significantly higher than it would have been at 2.1 percent for the entire year 2026.
"I listened to the criticism"
"I listened to the criticism and have been listening over the past few days. And I have to say: We made mistakes," Mahrer admitted to the "Presse" on Friday. The WKÖ president identified the "biggest mistake" in the Ö1 interview on Saturday in the area of communication, "but also in a wrong assessment of the development". This was also due to the fact that during negotiations, no content can be communicated externally, and thus time passes. He apologized for his "imprecise" communication in the "Kurier" on Friday. Mahrer rejected the repeatedly expressed accusation of "deception". It was "not intentional," he emphasized.
Resignation categorically ruled out
Nevertheless, there will be no change to the planned salary adjustment for WKÖ employees. The Economic Chamber had argued that the increases were delayed and strongly oriented towards the collective bargaining agreements of companies last year. Mahrer wants to maintain the formula despite the heavy criticism, but showed openness to discussions on "whether it is also crisis-resistant". He wants to make up for the damage caused with transparency and "listening". Mahrer categorically rules out a resignation.
The partly massive increases in the functional compensations of the WK presidents and vice presidents also caused a stir. For example, the compensation of the Tyrolean Economic Chamber president Barbara Thaler was increased from 6,400 to 10,000 euros, more than 60 percent. This is due to a "system change," according to Mahrer. "We have abolished and renewed an opaque system with allowances. That this happens in the same year is something that can be discussed."
Discussions About Earnings
His personal earnings also sparked discussions. Mahrer is the President of the Austrian Economic Chamber, President of the Economic Association, and President of the General Council of the National Bank. "This amounts to a gross of 28,500 euros. Twelve times a year. Yes, that is a lot of money," said Mahrer. "But it is also a lot of responsibility and personal liability."
Mahrer at least initially rejected the demand for a reduction in chamber contributions in light of the difficult economic situation. "Not immediately, but the economic chambers have repeatedly taken steps and we will continue to do so in the future," said the WKÖ President. When asked whether the chamber is also tightening its belt, Mahrer explained: "There have already been reduction programs."
Criticism Was Not Absent
However, Mahrer's apology once again met with criticism. FPÖ General Secretary Michael Schnedlitz accuses the WKÖ President of "lack of awareness of wrongdoing" and again called for his resignation on Saturday. Elisabeth Götze, economic spokesperson for the Greens, sees the "real problem of the WKO grandees" in their "aloofness and complete misjudgment of the situation." She also insists on a reduction in the chamber levy. The economic chamber faction UNOS from the smallest ruling party NEOS stated that the apology is a "beginning," but "concrete steps" must follow.
The outrage over the originally planned 4.2 percent, which is above inflation, stems mainly from the fact that the economic chamber often calls for wage restraint in collective bargaining negotiations. For example, the conclusion for the metalworkers, which serves as a guideline for other sectors, was significantly below inflation.
(APA/Red)
This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.