KV trade workers: vida submits final offer to employees for approval
Deterioration in framework law averted, wage increases of 2.55 percent and improvements in bonuses – the decision is now up to the employees.
KV negotiation
The fourth round of collective bargaining negotiations for retail workers did not bring a breakthrough. However, the negotiating team of the trade union vida has succeeded in fending off central deteriorations in the framework law.
No deterioration in the framework law
"If it had been up to the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber , employers would have been able to oblige their employees to work every Saturday in the future by means of a works agreement - instead of only every second as before. Partial retirement and educational leave were also in the employers' sights," explains Christine Heitzinger, head of negotiations for the trade union vida.
"We were able to maintain both regulations for our colleagues."
The present offer provides for wage increases of 2.55 percent for all wage groups . In addition, improvements were achieved in individual allowances:
The cold allowance will increase by 4.65 percent, the night allowance by 4.35 percent. "This is not a great success - but it is more than the employers originally wanted to concede," said Heitzinger.
Employees have the last word
With a view to the numerous actions before and after Christmas, with which retail workers have demonstrated their solidarity and determination, Heitzinger emphasizes.
"We didn't let ourselves get down. Collective agreement work is not a sprint, but a long-term task. We are going into the negotiations in the coming years strengthened."Verhandlungsleiterin der Gewerkschaft vida
The trade union vida is now submitting the current offer to the employees for a vote . The result will be announced in the coming weeks.
