In the KV negotiations in the electrical and electronics industry (EEI) that started on Wednesday, the unions demanded 12.9 percent more wages and salaries for the 60,000 employees. In addition, the aim is to reduce working hours to 36 hours per week in shifts.
According to the unions Pr-GE and GPA, the average inflation rate relevant to the negotiations from March 2022 to February 2023 was 9.5 percent and economic growth was 5 percent in the previous year.
“We want to realize decent real wage growth and sustainably increase income due to the continuing wave of inflation. Given the very good economic results, 12.9 percent more wages and salaries are a reasonable demand,” said the chief negotiators for the employees, Rainer Wimmer (PRO-GE) and Karl Dürtscher (GPA).
“One-time payments only possible part”
“After all, the past two years have been characterized by strong growth in the industry – both in terms of turnover and investments and in terms of the number of employees.” The order situation was excellent, productivity increased significantly and dividends were paid. A permanent increase in wages and salaries and student income would be a priority this year. One-time payments could only be a “possible component”.
Additional vacation days required
Other requirements in this collective labor agreement round, according to the broadcast, include the introduction of additional vacation days, depending on the length of employment. In concrete terms, after five, ten, 15 and 20 years, an extra holiday must be added.
In the field of shift work, the weekly working time is reduced to 36 hours per week. In addition, the unions are again demanding easier access for employees to the leisure option, whereby the actual increase can be permanently converted into extra free time. So far, the company can refuse this conversion without giving reasons, so there should be a legal right for the employees in the future.
Next round of negotiations on 31 March
The lowest starting salary in the EEI is currently 2,037 euros gross per month. The next round of negotiations will take place on 31 March. The new collective agreement with higher wages and salaries should take effect on 1 May.
Source: Krone
I’m Ben Stock, a journalist and author at Today Times Live. I specialize in economic news and have been working in the news industry for over five years. My experience spans from local journalism to international business reporting. In my career I’ve had the opportunity to interview some of the world’s leading economists and financial experts, giving me an insight into global trends that is unique among journalists.
