The debate about a zero-wage round for civil servants is heating up emotions. The civil servants and contract employees do not understand that they must “hold up their heads for the failure of politics”, as police unionist Hermann Greylinger told the “Krone”. Economists, on the other hand, see ‘room for maneuver’.
This concerns the salaries of more than 550,000 employees. 230,000 of them were federal employees and state teachers. It will indirectly add another 324,000 state and local government employees. However, the federal qualification does not have to be adopted. The final decision is made by the relevant local government.
Union: “We do not want to suffer from the mistakes of politics”
Greylinger points to the difficult working conditions often faced by police officers, teachers and those who work in healthcare. ‘Anyone who talks about privilege does so carelessly. Many have an opinion, few have an idea! Therefore: stop such unspeakable debates, civil servants also deserve a fair salary agreement.”
Economist Denes Kucsera from Agenda Austria also emphasizes that the jobs of a teacher and a police officer have become more stressful. He still sees room for salaries. After all, each percentage point costs the state 180 million euros. During the KV negotiations that started this week, an inflation rate of 3.8 percent was agreed. The compensation would cost 700 million euros. Last year, politicians awarded civil servants more than 9 percent! This caused great indignation among many entrepreneurs at the time, because they felt pressured. This salary increase costs the state no less than 1.5 billion euros annually.
Over the past ten years, wage agreements have been above inflation
The discussion about a zero wage round is also justified “because the incomes of civil servants have always been increased above the relevant inflation rate over the past ten years, with the exception of 2021,” Kucsera said. “And you must also say that in these economically difficult times, civil servants do not have to fear losing their jobs. While, for example, the industrial sector is being hit very hard, such as KTM at the moment.”
Comparing salary levels for white-collar and blue-collar workers, and comparing past salary increases, shows that there is “much potential to suspend inflation adjustment in the coming year.” Problem areas with particularly difficult working conditions could be excluded. If politicians had raised five percent last year instead of nine percent, they would have had an easier time authorizing an increase this year.
The union is already prepared for industrial action. A large demonstration has been registered for next Tuesday. Employee representatives are also angry with politicians because they postponed salary negotiations by thirteen weeks. Former Finance Minister Magnus Brunner and Minister Werner Kogler now blame each other.
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.
