The first negotiation dates with the union are to be agreed this week, said Civil Service Minister Werner Kogler (Greens) in the “Presse” on Monday. “Now that the Treasury is at the table, the drama can end.” His ministry had already made preparations over the summer.
GÖD chairman Eckehardt Quin (FCG) had accused the employer of wanting to enforce a zero wage round by refusing to negotiate. Last week, staff representatives and works councils were asked to hold departmental and works meetings in the week starting November 18th. The GÖD organizing committee should prepare a demonstration for November 26th in Vienna.
“We have to negotiate quickly”
“I share the assessment that we have to negotiate quickly,” said Kogler about the union’s criticism. This requires respect for public servants. The Civil Service Ministry had already emphasized its willingness to negotiate and attributed the delays to the Finance Ministry, on which the deal depends heavily. There is a change at the top after department head Magnus Brunner (ÖVP) moves to Brussels as Commissioner. The APA was referred to the responsibility of the civil service department.
Because the current government does not have a majority to legally fix civil service qualifications in the National Council, Kogler also wants to involve the SPÖ and NEOS in the negotiations this time. In terms of content, he would like higher degrees for lower salaries and lower ones for higher ones. Despite the precarious budget situation, Kogler does not believe in a round of zero wages in the public service (including teachers, nursing staff, police officers), and the public service must remain competitive, especially in view of the large wave of retirements.
Younion firmly rejects the zero wage round
Meanwhile, the former municipal employees’ union Younion again called for the immediate start of salary negotiations on Monday and resolutely rejected an “apparently intended zero wage round”. The FPÖ union representatives from AUF and the Free Trade Union of Austria (FGÖ) must be compensated at least the inflation rate.
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**Interview with Civil Service Minister Werner Kogler on Upcoming Wage Negotiations**
**Editor:** Welcome, Minister Kogler. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the upcoming wage negotiations with the union. Can you start by explaining the current situation and the importance of these negotiations?
**Werner Kogler:** Thank you for having me. The situation is critical as we prepare to sit down with union representatives for talks on public servant wages. After months of preparation, it’s time to engage directly with the union, and I’m hopeful that with the Treasury now at the table, we can move past the delays and make progress.
**Editor:** There’s been some tension regarding the employers’ stance on wages. Can you address the accusations from GÖD chairman Eckehardt Quin regarding a potential zero wage round?
**Werner Kogler:** Absolutely. I firmly believe that a zero wage round is not an option. Public servants, including teachers, nurses, and police officers, perform essential work, and we must ensure their compensation reflects their value to society. Moreover, as we face a significant wave of retirements in the public sector, it’s crucial to maintain competitiveness in our salaries.
**Editor:** You mentioned the involvement of other political parties in the negotiations. How do you envision their role?
**Werner Kogler:** Given the current political landscape, we don’t have a majority to set civil service qualifications alone. Therefore, I believe it’s essential to involve SPÖ and NEOS to ensure that we have a comprehensive approach to the negotiations and meet the needs of public servants effectively. Collaboration is key.
**Editor:** Union representatives, like those from Younion, are calling for an immediate start to negotiations and oppose a zero wage round. What message do you have for them?
**Werner Kogler:** I completely understand the urgency from the unions and share their sense of responsibility. We must negotiate quickly, respecting the work of public servants while also being mindful of our budgetary constraints. The goal is to find a sustainable path forward that satisfies all parties involved.
**Editor:** Thank you, Minister Kogler, for sharing your insights. We hope for a resolution that benefits the civil service and, by extension, the public they serve.
**Werner Kogler:** Thank you for having me. I look forward to a constructive negotiation process.
