Cleaning: Wages rise above inflation
Trade union vida pleased with successful renegotiation for cleaners.
The approximately 66,000 workers in monument, façade and building cleaning (DFG) will receive an average of 3.25 percent more wages at the beginning of 2026. For skilled workers with an apprenticeship in cleaning technology, income will even increase by 4.5 percent, while apprentices will receive an increase of 6 percent. "This means that the current financial statements are above the inflation rate on average – a strong sign for a female-dominated industry that is often overlooked," emphasizes Gernot Kopp, Chairman of the vida Facility Management Department.
"This is an important success for those who ensure every day that Austria's businesses, schools, hospitals and public buildings remain clean."
Renegotiation due to higher inflation
The current agreement is based on rolling inflation of 3 percent. Since inflation was over 2.7 percent, the original three-year agreement was renegotiated. This also provides for the reduction of the wage groups from six to four in order to simplify the wage scheme and make it clearer.
"With the current renegotiation, we have achieved a pleasing result - despite the economically tense situation in other industries," explains vida trade unionist Gernot Kopp. "This is an important success for those who ensure every day that Austria's businesses, schools, hospitals and public buildings remain clean."
The next collective bargaining negotiations for the cleaners will take place in autumn 2027. This collective agreement will then come into force on 1 January 2028.
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