KV cosmetics, foot care and massage: Tyrol and Styria block conclusion
In the collective bargaining negotiations for the cosmetics industry, employers in two federal states are opposed. The trade union vida is taking legal action.
KV negotiation
The negotiations of the collective agreement for employees in cosmetics, pedicure and massage (KoFuMa) would have actually come to a good end at the end of October. At that time, employer and employee representatives agreed on a three-year collective bargaining agreement. The collective agreement in question provides for a wage increase of 6.8 percent for 2025, 5.5 percent for 2026 and 5.1 percent for 2027. For KoFuMa employees, this would mean a wage increase well above the rolling inflation of 6.3 percent. In seven federal states, employers have agreed to this wage adjustment.
Unsustainable offers
However, Tyrol and Styria have been presenting themselves as two Gallic villages in this matter for weeks. Separate rounds of negotiations had to be convened for both federal states. And yet no deal could be reached.
"Employers in the provinces of Tyrol and Styria have so far insisted on a wage agreement far below the inflation rate over the next four years. Under these conditions, a deal was unbearable for us."
This offer would mean a loss of around 60 euros per month for the employees. That would be 840 euros a year.
Necessary legal steps
The trade union vida is now initiating legal measures. The aim is still to extend the collective agreement to Styria and Tyrol. According to vida trade unionist Kathrin Schranz, this is a necessary step: "Anyone who does not give in despite repeated attempts must be reminded of their responsibility towards the employees by drastic means."