Labor Minister Martin Kocher (ÖVP) emphasized in the ORF ‘press hour’ on Sunday morning that inflation had to be reduced, but ruled out new measures against inflation. He also sees difficult circumstances for the first round of negotiations on the Metaller-KV on Monday – the government will be ready if the social partners ask for it. He showed understanding for the much criticized statements by Chancellor Karl Nehammer.
While the latest wage increases are not the cause of inflation – which has been around for a long time in Austria and is currently above the eurozone average – “a spiral is still a spiral,” Kocher said. He regretted that government measures to support purchasing power had received little attention during last year’s negotiations. Kocher complained that tax-free one-off payments that the Minister of Finance wanted to make possible were and are being rejected by the union.
The government is ready when the social partners call
And this year? “We are ready if things are needed from the government to support wage negotiations and take a joint approach. But such a wish must come from the social partners,” said the politician and economist by training. This year too, the Minister of Finance is prepared to discuss tax-free one-off benefits. But that must be reflected in the outcome of the negotiations.
Rejection of a 32-hour working week with wage compensation
The minister has rejected a statutory reduction in working hours to 32 hours with full wage compensation. That is simply not realistic at the moment. Demands in this direction could be discussed in the KV negotiations, but for now nothing will be done legally. Kocher evasively noted that the budget for the Employment Service (AMS) will likely decrease. In any case, he is committed to a “good budget”.
Kocher shows understanding for Chancellor Nehammer
Kocher defended Chancellor Nehammer after his unintentionally published video. You have to see the appearance in context, he said in the “press hour” on Sunday. There is a difference whether you give a speech in parliament or in a small circle. He also defended his party leader substantively, such as the criticism of increasing part-time work in Austria.
More work needs to be done for demographic reasons
According to the Minister of Labor, individual points raised by Nehammer can certainly be discussed. When it comes to part-time work, Kocher also argues that many Austrians should work longer hours if possible for demographic reasons. Childcare obligations are of course excluded, he explained.
The Chancellor also had no criticism of the social partnership in general, Kocher interpreted his statements. These would play “a very important role” in Austria and it was clear that they would strongly represent their interests. However, there is criticism that government measures have not been included in the wage negotiations as much as we would have liked.
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.
