Difficult Struggle for Civil Servant Health Insurance Before Next Round of Negotiations
Last Tuesday, a meeting took place where the government presented a first concrete offer. However, this offer was rejected by the unions GÖD and younion. GÖD Chairman Eckehard Quin stated that the government intends to make a new proposal.
Three-Year Agreement Targeted in Civil Servant Negotiations
Both sides are keeping the details of the first offer under wraps. It is clear that the government is aiming for an agreement covering three years. The background is that the adjustment for 2026 was actually negotiated last year, but with inflation plus 0.3 percent, it would be too high for the coalition's liking. Therefore, they hope to persuade the union to compromise and, in return, would be willing to reconsider the zero wage increase planned for 2027 and 2028.
The union has recently been quite confident, coming from a position of strength. Because if no agreement is reached at the negotiating table, the originally agreed settlement would likely take effect. Although it is theoretically possible for this to be overturned in the National Council, it is unlikely to happen given the many union members within the ranks of SPÖ and ÖVP. Furthermore, it should be considered that the workforce no longer quite believes the government's announcements for 2027 and 2028, especially since the legally secured agreement for the coming year is now being questioned.
Civil Servant Agreement: One Percent Costs 189 Million
This does not necessarily make the starting position more favorable. However, the government needs every cent to meet its budget goals, and according to the latest information from Finance Minister Markus Marterbauer (SPÖ), a one percent salary increase costs 189 million euros.
Even though it did not look like a quick agreement until recently, it would not be the first time in the public service that things move faster than expected despite supposedly poor sentiment. If that is not the case, there is still time. If the National Council decides on an amended salary agreement only in November or December, that would still be timely.
(APA/Red)
This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.