Social Economy KV: Employees put pressure on – rally on Wednesday in Vienna

The collective bargaining negotiations for the 130,000 employees in the social economy will enter the next round on Thursday. But before taking a seat at the negotiating table again, the trade unions vida and GPA are sending a clear signal: On Wednesday, a large rally will take place at the Platz der Menschenrechte in Vienna to increase the pressure on employers and reaffirm the central demand – a 4% wage and salary increase and better working conditions, especially for part-time workers.

Employers' offer far below inflation reality

The previous employer offer is causing employees and their representatives to shake their heads. 2.5 percent over two years – i.e. only 1.25 percent per year – would not even come close to compensating for the increased inflation.

GPA chief negotiator Eva Scherz puts it succinctly and clearly:
"The employers' offer is not to be taken seriously."

The unions had already interrupted the negotiations on October 13. Since then, works meetings, precautionary strike resolutions and mobilizations have been taking place throughout Austria. The reason for this is simple: the employees work hard, professionally and under massive pressure – and they have bills to pay.

Financing through politics? Nevertheless, responsibility remains with employers

Employers refer to the "difficult situation" and appeal to the federal and state governments to adequately finance the social infrastructure.
But Scherz makes it clear: Shifting responsibility to politicians is not enough.

The industry continues to suffer from a massive shortage of skilled workers, and employees are feeling the inflation directly. A deal below inflation would further increase the pressure on colleagues – a no-go for vida and GPA.

Protests in Vienna and Salzburg

On Wednesday at 2:30 p.m., employees from all over Austria will gather at the Platz der Menschenrechte in Vienna. The goal: to fight for a fair offer!

At the same time, there were protests in Salzburg on Tuesday against the austerity package there, in particular against the planned cancellation of the 15th salary ("care bonus") for nursing staff. In the city of Mozart, a large nursing parade and a protest march for the health system took place at 4 p.m.

Employers warn of "dramatic situation" - but offer too little

In its press releases, the employers' side paints a picture of an industry on the brink of collapse. There is talk of an "erratic clear-cut" in the social infrastructure - of reduced subsidies, endangered facilities and positions that cannot be filled.

But while the Austrian Social Economy Employers' Association (SWÖ) is calling for "closing ranks", the offer remains meager. A 2.5 percent wage increase over two years is suddenly supposed to bring planning security?

We see it differently:
Planning security is not created by real wage losses, but by fair framework conditions that keep employees in their profession – and attract new ones.

Conclusion on Thursday? Hardly.

It seems unlikely that the next round of negotiations will bring an agreement.

The expectation for Thursday is clear: an offer that deserves the name negotiation. But the reality remains: Without clear movement on the part of the employers, there will be further protest measures.

Why a fair degree is so important now

• Shortage of skilled workers threatens security of supply – good working conditions are the only sustainable solution.
• Inflation is hitting employees hard – especially in the health, social and care sectors, where many work part-time.
• Work pressure continues to grow, while politicians and many employers are playing for time.
• Good social infrastructure does not come for free – it needs stable financing and fair wages.

Wednesday on the streets – Thursday at the negotiating table

The employees of the social economy bear an enormous responsibility for our society every day. Now is the time to finally give them the recognition and financial appreciation they deserve.