European parliament voicing worries over the current state of affairs in said nation.
Bickering Unions and Stingy Employers: Austrian Paper Industry's Wage Woes
The trade unions GPA and PRO-GE held a vigorous works council conference for the paper industry in Vienna last night, fueled by the ongoing stalemate in the collective bargaining negotiations. The tension is palpable.
The employers are persistently demanding a zero-wage round for wages and salaries - a move that the unions believe is a gross affront towards the approximately 8,000 employees in the industry, as stated by oe24. "This is unacceptable," the unions declared emphatically.
Walter Kogler, chairman of the economic sector paper industry in the GPA trade union, expressed his disapproval, asserting, "The paper industry managed to boost both production value and order intake last year. However, instead of working together to address the challenges of the future, the employers seem more focused on antagonizing the workforce and fantasizing about wage cuts."
"A zero-wage round from the employers is completely untenable," the unions insist. "This move would equate to a loss of approximately €7,470 in gross income for an employee with an expected income of €3,152 by the year 2030. Such a decision would be a slap in the face to those who keep the paper industry running, especially during tough times."
The unions are ready to amp up the pressure on the employers. According to union leaders, significant discussions will be held with employees across Austria from May 5 to May 7. If the employers continue to stonewall serious negotiations, the unions have threatened to escalate the dispute in the factories and the public sphere.
Union leaders have put forward a list of demands for a "fair settlement", including wage increases, a pay hike for minimum wages, concrete improvements for employees such as free time on the 24th of December and the last working day of the year, and better recognition of previous service periods for additional vacation time.
The next round of negotiations is scheduled for May 8, 2025. Union leaders anticipate an employer proposal that acknowledges the employees' hard work and provides a solid foundation for social partnership once again.
- The ongoing stalemate in the collective bargaining negotiations between the unions and employers in the Austrian paper industry, as seen in Vienna last night, has reached a credible point of zero progress.
- As the paper industry's production value and order intake increased last year, the unions find it questionable that the employers are still demanding a zero-wage round, which would result in a significant loss of income for the approximately 8,000 employees.
- Union leaders in the Austrian paper industry have threatened to escalate the dispute in both factories and the public sphere if serious negotiations are not engaged in by the employers.
- In preparation for the next round of negotiations on May 8, 2025, union leaders have presented a list of demands for a "fair settlement", including wage increases, improved working conditions, and better recognition for previous service periods.
- The stalemate in the collective bargaining negotiations between the unions and employers in the Austrian paper industry, if not addressed, could potentially have a negative impact on the manufacturing industry, finance, and overall business.
