Collective agreements for freelancers possible from 2026
vida welcomes legal innovation. Platform workers such as bicycle messengers urgently need better protection.
Freelancers
A long-standing union demand is finally becoming reality: From 1 January 2026, collective agreements may also be concluded for freelancers. The trade union vida sees this as an important milestone in the fight against precarious working conditions - especially in the booming platform economy.
"This finally takes up a long-standing union demand," emphasizes Markus Petritsch, chairman of the road department in the trade union vida.
"In the end, it depends on the concrete implementation – and on the willingness of employers to take on social responsibility."
14,000 people without minimum wage
In Austria, there are around 14,000 freelancers who work in a similar way to employees, but have not yet been able to enjoy minimum labour law standards. They were not entitled to paid vacation, special payments or continued payment of wages in the event of illness – and there was also no provision for a regulated minimum wage.
"Especially in the area of platform work, for example for food delivery workers, it is absolutely necessary to improve working conditions. This innovation is an opportunity for these often precariously employed workers," Petritsch continued.
Lieferando: A prime example of urgency
Lieferando is a particularly blatant case: Just a few months ago, the company terminated around 1,000 permanently employed riders and switched to freelance service contracts. As a result, the employees fell out of the collective agreement – without minimum wage, without protection against dismissal, without social security.
With the new legal situation, vida sees itself in a position to negotiate collective agreements on wages, holidays, working hours and sick leave for freelancers in the future.
Better notice periods for freelance employment relationships
In addition to the collective bargaining option, statutory minimum notice periods for freelance employment relationships have been introduced:
- Four-week notice period in general
- Six-week notice period from the third year of service
- Termination dates on the 15th or last day of each month
"This also brings more legal certainty, but is not yet at the level of proper employment relationships - further steps are needed here," says Petritsch.
By comparison, employees enjoy a six-week notice period in the first year. After 26 years, this is even five months.
Implementation crucial: vida calls for rapid collective bargaining negotiations
Whether the new regulation will be a success depends largely on whether and how quickly new collective agreements are negotiated. vida is ready to enter into negotiations – now the ball is also in the employers' court.
Strong together
"Our negotiating power is based on the members of our movement. That's why I advise all employees – whether freelancers or not – to become a union member now."
In order to enforce strong collective agreements, a strong basis is also needed:
Only together can a collective agreement be reached that prevents exploitation and creates fair conditions.
Be part of it!
Being a vida member is worthwhile. All the benefits for just 1% of your gross income. Learn more about membership.
