There is great relief after the agreement on a new collective labor agreement in the metal sector. For Minister of Economic Affairs Martin Kocher (ÖVP), the conclusion of the difficult negotiations provided proof that “the wage-setting system in Austria works”. Vice Chancellor Werner Kogler (Greens) in turn defended the wage agreement for civil servants.
This was previously described as useless by Metaller employers’ chairman Christian Knill. Knill criticized the fact that the government had insisted on one-off payments but did not take advantage of them. Public sector salaries will increase by 9.15 percent on January 1, 2024, and there will be no caps or one-off payments. The unions had opposed the latter to the end in the metalworkers’ negotiations. Knill admitted that the industry’s desire to do so could not be realized in this “environment”.
Kogler responded to the criticism, saying a quick conclusion to the officials, without any fuss, was “good and important.” The government has covered the progression of inflation, there is competition with the private sector in the labor market, the Green leader said in the “Ö1-Mittagsjournal”.
Industry praises “portable and creative solution”
Praise for the social partners in the metal sector, where the new KV applies retroactively to November 1, came from Wifo director Gabriel Felbermayr. He said on Thursday evening in “ZiB 2”: “This is a really good conclusion.” Both parties had agreed on something new. “That was a very important signal that our social partnership is still working,” said the economist. The industrial association said: “Overall, the agreement has created a feasible and creative solution that largely takes into account the current challenges.”
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.