The additional costs per household will amount to around 1,400 euros at the end of this year. Unions and Chambers of Labor now feel that the government is not taking them seriously, demanding relief and pushing for further talks.
The Chamber of Commerce has unpacked the pencil: based on the “normal” inflation of two percent, which has been prevailing for years, while the current inflation is already 6.8 percent, the costs for a household will rise by the end of this year by 1,400 euros. the year. The Chamber of Commerce criticizes that government measures, such as the climate bonus or a one-off payment, would only provide citizens with a relief of 650 euros.
In view of inflation, which is already rising to the sore point for many, the social partners are now going on the offensive and pushing for further measures. On March 23, the ÖVP and the Greens invited the social partners to an inflation summit, where the coalition was presented with a package of demands with nine specific points. For example: an inflation adjustment for low income groups, a reduction of the tax on mineral oil to the EU minimum rate, an extension of the working time reduction until the end of 2022 or a suspension of rent adjustments.
ÖGB president and AK boss angry
After the meeting everyone spoke of a thoroughly constructive round, they were confident that it would not be just friendly words and it was assumed that negotiations would take place soon.
What annoys ÖGB President Wolfgang Katzian and Chamber of Labor President Renate Anderl: Nothing has happened since then. Finance Minister Magnus Brunner (ÖVP) recently promised a meeting “after Easter”. However, that is much too late, emphasize Katzian and Anderl.
The government is reluctant. Chancellor Karl Nehammer (ÖVP) recently said further steps to contain inflation are possible, and Treasury Secretary Brunner said the discussion with the Green coalition partner about lowering the tax on mineral oil was “not very easy”. Katzian and Anderl are now picking up the pace: the urgency is increasing by the day.
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.
