The public services union is calling for combative measures. The reason is that the government refuses to negotiate a salary increase for the coming year. This is an attempt to implement a zero wage round, according to a resolution of the GÖD Federal Conference.
In it, GÖD calls for a sustainable increase in salaries and allowances that will guarantee the long-term security and strengthening of the purchasing power of all government employees.
Demonstration planned for the end of November
Employee representatives and works councils are requested to hold department or company meetings in the week of November 18 to provide information on the situation and how to proceed. The GÖD Organizing Committee is instructed to prepare a demonstration for November 26 in Vienna. Preparations must also be made “to be able to implement further anti-union measures at any time with all necessary intensities.”
No negotiating partner of the Ministry of Finance
In fact, salary negotiations haven’t even started this year. The Civil Service Ministry confirmed on Thursday that it was willing to negotiate, but again referred to the Ministry of Finance, on which the deal is highly dependent. “So far, despite several requests, the Ministry of Finance has not appointed a negotiating partner,” Civil Service Minister Werner Kogler (Greens) said in a statement. Department head Magnus Brunner (ÖVP) is moving to Brussels as commissioner. Kogler emphasized that he shared the view of the union and many employees that salary negotiations should begin. That is why his office will propose dates to the responsible Ministry of Finance and the trade union in the coming days.
Think tank recommended a zero-wage round
This year’s negotiations are complicated by the uneasy budget situation. For example, the economically liberal think tank EcoAustria recommended a zero wage round in the public sector. In addition, elections for the staff representatives are in the pipeline. The major demonstration that the union has called for today will take place the day before the start.
In its resolution, the GÖD demands that the employer immediately “return to a social partnership”. Refusing to talk is “unacceptable”: “Only a common path leads to goals that are in everyone’s interest.”
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.
