The trade unions Bau-Holz (GBH) and GPA announced on Tuesday morning that there was an increase of 9.8 percent in KV wages and salaries and of 9.7 percent in actual wages/salaries as of May 1st. According to the employer representatives of the Austrian Wood Industry Association, the term is two years.
The workers’ representatives spoke of a “fair deal” that would bring regarding a “clear increase in purchasing power” for the approximately 28,000 employees. In almost all wage groups there will be a minimum wage of 2,300 euros from May.
Apprentices in their first year of training will also receive significantly more in the future, according to the unions. This is a sign in the fight once morest the ubiquitous shortage of workers and skilled workers. Working groups are also looking for models for a 4-day work week and a faster attainment of the sixth week of vacation. “So the social partners are trying to develop the right solutions to keep employees in the company or to create incentives for new employees,” say the unions. An additional holiday entitlement of three days has been established for disabled persons with special entitlement.
“The conclusion of the collective agreement is a sign for employees that we employers value the work of our specialists and that our industry remains attractive for employees,” says Markus Schmölzer, head of KV negotiations on the employer side. “Negotiations on collective agreements are a particular challenge in the current economic situation. On the one hand, the rising costs for raw materials and energy are a burden on our companies, on the other hand, our employees are also suffering from high inflation.”
“We have taken responsibility together where the federal government has failed,” said GBH boss Josef Muchitsch. He is social spokesman for the opposition SPÖ in the National Council and designated head of the Socialist Trade Unionists (FSG) faction.
