"In difficult national situations, the chamber also needs to send a signal," explained WKÖ President Harald Mahrer in the Ö1 "Midday Journal" regarding the step. In view of the "skewed optics," he has now put his foot down, said Mahrer.

Mahrer Understands the Uproar Over WKÖ Salary Increase

"Calculating correctly does not always mean acting correctly," said Mahrer about the originally planned adjustments above inflation. He expressed understanding for the uproar, but now it is important to "assess the result." With the halving both in the WKÖ and in the regional organizations, the Chamber of Commerce is now also fulfilling its responsibility. "Everyone must contribute," said Mahrer. The reduction of the salary increase was also reported by "Kronen Zeitung" and "Die Presse".

After WKÖ Salary Increase: Call for Boycott of Contribution Payments

Previously, the debate threatened to escalate, as industrialist Stephan Zöchling called for a boycott or suspension of contribution payments by companies. "Perhaps it is time for the chamber to finally feel what the rest of the country has long heard: the warning shot," he wrote in a statement. The planned salary increase of 4.2 percent had previously caused outrage, given the frequently expressed demand for wage restraint in salary negotiations, also among FPÖ, SPÖ, NEOS, and Greens. The chamber had "apparently lost all sense of proportion," it was said by the Social Democrats, "preaching water and drinking wine." Only the vida union made a rare commendation of the chamber - probably also with a view to the collective bargaining negotiations in trade starting on Thursday.

Mahrer Wants to Stick to Formula for the Future

The Chamber of Commerce had argued that the increases were delayed and strongly oriented towards the collective agreements of companies last year, "to best reflect the realities of member companies." Furthermore, the annual salary increases for WKÖ employees have been significantly lower in long-term comparison than in the private sector or public service. In this sense, Mahrer also wants to stick to the salary calculation formula in the chamber: "Why should it be suspended, (...) when the salary adjustments have always been below trade, public service, and metalworkers," Mahrer said on ORF radio.

(APA/Red)

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