A zero wage round is being discussed at the highest level of federal politics and separate rules will apply at the state level. The call for more salary for mayors is getting louder!
The salary of a member of the National Council – currently 9873 euros gross per month – is not only the basis for the assessment of the different salary levels for state politicians, but also for mayors. What should apply to them? Increase by half the inflation compensation (4.85%) or zero pay, as the Reds demand for members of the state government?
Party leaders think an increase for local leaders is justified
SPÖ leader Michael Lindner, who wants a zero wage round for himself and the other eight government members in Upper Austria (which the leaders of Schwarz-Blau, Thomas Stelzer and Manfred Haimbuchner reject), believes that mayors should not support the zero wage round be affected: “Especially in rural areas, mayors have to assume more and more responsibility and accountability. It is becoming increasingly difficult to find candidates.” The function of LH Thomas Stelzer is very similar. From his office it says: “Every day, the mayors do valuable work in the service of their communities. The increase of almost five percent should also apply to them.”
Graduated salary depending on the number of inhabitants
In general, there is a salary pyramid for the mayors, which, as I said, is based on the salary of a member of the National Council, see Upper Austria. Municipal Act here. At the top is the head of the state capital Linz, who receives 165 percent of the salary of the National Council, currently 16,290.45 euros gross per month, 14 times. The mayor of another municipality with more than 20,000 inhabitants (including only Traun and Leonding) gets 102.86 percent, a mayor of a municipality with a maximum of 1000 inhabitants 37.78 percent.
Finding officials is becoming increasingly difficult
The supposed “big earner” among the mayors of Upper Austria, the city boss of Linz, Klaus Luger (SP), does not see why politicians should hold back: “There is not a single profession that does not get paid for a share of inflation . “Why should politicians always be the only ones without a pay rise? A primary election in the hospital is also paid for with tax money, so no one scolds that.” And further: “It is becoming increasingly difficult to find people who want to become mayors in large and small municipalities.” he himself is the owner-representative of companies, which employ more than 9,000 people and bear a huge responsibility here: “I don’t get a cent for that. The lack of privacy is not compensated either. But I don’t want to complain, of course I knew that in advance,” said Luger.
‘Liability issue is more difficult’
As one of the “lowest earners”, the mayor of Rutzenham, the smallest municipality in Upper Austria with just under 300 inhabitants, is only half satisfied. Anton Helmberger (VP) has been a day shift HTL lecturer and mayor since 2009. It is clear to him: “You cannot become a local boss purely for the money! For me, the question of private liability is a bigger difficulty than the salary. Something definitely needs to change!”
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
