After the metalheads, the officials also enter the ring for their pay raise. In a letter to Vice-Chancellor Werner Kogler (Greens), who is responsible for civil servants, Public Service Union (GÖD) president Norbert Schnedl asked to start negotiations. Unlike the metallers, who have already put a claim of 10.6 percent on the table, Schnedl has not yet given a concrete number.
The letter, which was also addressed to Chancellor Karl Nehammer and Finance Minister Magnus Brunner (both ÖVP), calls for a “sustainable increase” in salaries and a “permanent guarantee and increase in purchasing power for all civil servants”.
“Multiple Crises to Deal With”
As a basis for the negotiations, GÖD wants to take in addition to inflation and economic growth, which are unquestionable, the “massive increase in stress caused by various crises that are being overcome”. In this context, specific mention is made of the consequences of the corona pandemic and the war in Ukraine, but also the “unprecedented number of referendums, the city council, the state parliament and the federal presidential elections to be organised”.
Staff shortage in all areas
The union also points out that in addition to the sharp increase in the number of tasks to be performed, the staff shortage in all areas increases the burden on employees. “The high functionality of all state institutions, especially the judiciary, public administration, internal and external security, education and health, as well as all areas of public services, can only be maintained through the strong commitment of all colleagues,” Schnedl writes in a letter.
In the letter to the government, the GÖD requests that the negotiations start in time so that the planned salary agreement can enter into force on 1 January 2023.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
