Someone who steers and moves

For some, he is the driver, for others the voice. Anil Zümrüt works for the large family-run bus company sabtours in Upper Austria. Both as a bus driver and as chairman of the works council, he bears great responsibility, always keeps an overview and brings people safely and reliably to their destination.

Boarding please

Early in the morning, they start the engine. Hardly anyone knows the streets as well as she does. They make sure that we get to our destination - the bus drivers in our country. One of them is Anil Zümrüt. The profession is more than just steering, Anil knows. Steering was already in his cradle. "My father was a self-employed taxi driver," says Anil. At the age of 21, he followed in his footsteps and was "himself" and "constantly" on the road with a taxi license in his pocket.

With rear-view mirror and far-sightedness

In 2015, Anil switched to the "heavyweight class" – he became a bus driver. He has been employed at sabtours since 2016: "As a bus driver, you have a great responsibility. That's why our working day also starts with a safety check," reports Anil. He was at the wheel of "his" bus for eight years. Today, Anil is the chairman of the works council and thus the strong voice of his colleagues.

Works council at the wheel

Together with his team, the works council has set things in motion, for example bonus systems for employees. "Performance should be worthwhile for everyone, especially for those who do the work," emphasizes Anil. He also showed strong commitment in the last collective bargaining negotiations. The KV negotiator of vida "turned" five hard rounds with his team. They have not only shown that they are sitting meat, but have also shifted up a gear in order to achieve more for the employees of the private bus companies. Their common goal: a collective agreement that brings higher incomes and better working conditions. "We asked many drivers about their everyday work. And the majority agreed: The joy of steering is still there, but the framework conditions are no longer suitable," reports Anil. 

In the service of justice

With a strong package of demands under their arm and many supporters behind them, Anil's KV team did not let up. After the fourth round of negotiations, they increased the pressure. In the early morning hours of 20 February, hundreds of colleagues at over 100 locations decided to take part in the first warning strike by bus drivers. There was a big turnaround, the employers relented, and a deal that is worth seeing was achieved.

Big strong family

For Anil, the most beautiful and motivating moments were the many messages he received. "We stand united behind you, we wish you much strength, stand firm! These words have strengthened me, and they have shown me how big and strong our union family is," beams Anil. He will also be at the helm of the next collective bargaining negotiations and bring the interests of his colleagues to their destination.