Wage negotiations are not an act of mercy!
vida calls for a return to the negotiating table and an end to the blockade on the backs of the employees
Tourism
Collective bargaining negotiations in tourism have been suspended – on the initiative of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (WKÖ). For the trade union vida, this is a fatal signal to more than 200,000 employees in the hotel and catering industry.
"Wage negotiations are not an act of mercy. With its approach, the WKÖ is taking more than 200,000 employees hostage because of personal vanity."Fachbereichsvorsitzende Tourismus der Gewerkschaft vida
The WKÖ must immediately return to the negotiating table and end the blockade.
Apology as a precondition? "Flimsy diversionary tactic"
Eberhart particularly sharply rejects the demand of the WKÖ to make an apology from vida chairman Roman Hebenstreit a condition for further talks.
Hebenstreit had clearly named grievances - and these were substantiated by public sources as well as the latest inquiry of the Ministry of Finance on tax fraud and wage dumping in the industry. "Truths do not need apologies, but political consequences," Eberhart clarifies.
Organised white-collar crime in tourism: Structural problem
The latest revelations about organized white-collar crime and manipulated cash register software clearly show that these are not isolated cases.
"It's about finally calling black sheep by their names - also in the interest of the many honest companies," said Eberhart. Those who do business correctly, pay taxes and offer fair working conditions should no longer be put under pressure by unfair competition.
vida calls for mandatory quality seal for fair businesses
As a consequence, we demand a mandatory quality seal for tourism businesses. Only companies that have transparency in the following areas will be awarded:
- Taxes
- Working hours
- Social security contributions
demonstrably comply.
"Only companies that work cleanly deserve the award as a top employer," emphasizes Eberhart. Such a seal of approval would strengthen fair competitive conditions and counteract wage dumping.
Inflation compensation is not generosity
Eberhart also finds clear words in the direction of employer representation:
"The labor market is not a relationship between parents and children, who have to be good so that the Christ Child puts a package under the tree."Fachbereichsvorsitzende Tourismus der Gewerkschaft vida
Compensation for the loss of purchasing power due to inflation is not a favor, but an economic necessity. Anyone who refuses to pay the cost of living compensation demonstrates a questionable understanding of social partnership.
Especially in an industry with a high workload, weekend shifts and comparatively low incomes, respect is needed - and this is expressed in fair wages.
Demand to the WKÖ: End blockade
The trade union vida therefore calls on the WKÖ to resume negotiations immediately.
"We don't need offended reactions, but solutions against the risk of poverty and for fair competitive conditions," said Eberhart.
Tourism workers expect negotiations on an equal footing – not symbolic political power games.
