Easter weekend ends strong winter season: Tourism workers demand fair share
vida calls for better pay, predictable working hours and real relief for employees in the hotel and catering industry before the next round of collective bargaining
Tourism
Just in time for the Easter weekend, Austria's tourism is heading for another highlight: the start of the holidays and good snow conditions ensure high occupancy rates in the winter sports regions. For the industry, this means full beds and good sales – for the employees, on the other hand, one thing above all: even more work.
"When the occupancy rate increases, the load also increases. Many colleagues work up to 48 hours a week, often without sufficient time off to plan."Chefverhandlerin für den Kollektivvertrag Hotellerie und Gastronomie
"Especially at Easter, it becomes particularly clear what tourism is really based on: on the commitment of the employees. They make sure that guests get their food, rooms are ready and that business runs smoothly - often under enormous time pressure," says Eva Eberhart, Chairwoman of the Tourism Department at the vida trade union and chief negotiator for the collective agreement for the hotel and catering industry.
Tourism boom hardly reaches employees
Despite rising numbers of overnight stays and an overall positive economic development, one central problem remains: employees benefit too little from the success of the industry.
With a minimum wage of just over 2,000 euros gross, the hotel and catering industry continues to be one of the low-wage sectors. The discrepancy between economic success and actual remuneration is thus becoming increasingly clear.
"It cannot be that tourism is booming, but the employees hardly benefit from it. Those who keep the business running must also be paid fairly. Anything else is neither fair nor economically sensible in the long run," emphasizes Eberhart.
Poor working conditions exacerbate shortage of skilled workers
In addition to pay, working conditions are a central factor for the future of the industry. Long working hours, a lack of predictability and high workload mean that more and more employees are turning their backs on tourism.
A successful Easter weekend cannot cover up these structural problems – on the contrary, it makes them particularly visible.
"Good working conditions are not a bonus, but a prerequisite for tourism to function in the long term," said Eberhart.
Collective bargaining negotiations on 7 April: vida makes clear demands
With a view to the upcoming round of negotiations for the collective agreement in the hotel and catering industry on 7 April, the trade union vida reiterates its central demands:
- Real wage increase above inflation
- 12 guaranteed free Sundays per year
- Paid lunch break
"The employees are the backbone of the industry. If tourism is to continue to grow, then better working conditions and fair wages are finally needed. Now employers are called upon to take responsibility," Eberhart clarifies.
Good reasons to become a member right now
- You strengthen the bargaining power – the more we are, the better the collective agreements.
- Legal protection and advice when things get serious.
- Co-determination in the company: You give weight to your voice.
- Continuing education and networking: Sharing knowledge, learning strategies, winning together.
- All the benefits of a large community
- Solidarity that carries – even when things get uncomfortable.
Do you want negotiations to take place on an equal footing again – with results that reach your wallet?
