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 handed over their demands to the Social Economy Austria (SWÖ) on Wednesday. For the approximately 130,000 employees, the employee representatives are seeking a salary increase of four percent, according to a press release. "We do not accept 'pseudo-arguments'," said GPA chief negotiator Eva Scherz. There was initially no concrete offer from the employers.
The situation is bleak due to the need for savings at all levels, said SWÖ chief negotiator Yvonne Hochsteiner after the meeting. "Therefore, we see no possibility of offering the inflation rate. We are not talking about a zero wage round." However, she has not yet been able to make a percentage offer; it is about "achieving a fair conclusion together."
In the last three years, significant improvements in working conditions have been achieved. "These measures have greatly increased the attractiveness of jobs in the industry," said Hochsteiner. This is also reflected in the high satisfaction of the employees.
Unions Insist on Real Wage Increase
"The social economy is not affected by any crisis: Demand is rising, and skilled workers are still desperately sought after," said Scherz. There is no competition with foreign corporations, but rather with domestic employers for qualified personnel. "We do not accept pseudo-arguments of cuts that have not yet been implemented, which are intended to create uncertainty in advance." The employees have "earned a fair wage and salary increase," the unionist stated, a conclusion below the inflation rate is out of the question.
In addition, there are demands regarding working hours and working conditions, and improvements will also be sought here. "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 the workforce are women and 70 percent work part-time.
Pressure to Save "As Serious as Never Before"
From the perspective of the SWÖ, the conditions due to the pressure to save are "as serious as never before" this year. There are reports of significant savings in all federal states, it was stated in a 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 conditions, securing jobs, and not endangering the organizations. The leeway is extremely limited," emphasized Yvonne Hochsteiner, chief negotiator of the SWÖ.
SWÖ Chairman Erich Fenninger highlighted 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 government 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.