The record-breaking wave of inflation mainly affects Austrians, who have a small income. ÖGB President Wolfgang Katzian is therefore demanding six percent more wages and salaries in the current spring wage round. The union leader reacted indignantly to accusations that this demand would fuel inflation: “I can never hear that, it really pisses me off.” It is a “normal process” in wage negotiations to bring inflation back, Katzian clarified.
Katzian explained in Ö1-“Tomorrow Journal” onward, dThe union would approach the negotiations with “great judgment and detailed knowledge”. However, it is “a joke” to say that this would fuel the wage-price spiral. Inflation is rising because energy, housing and food costs are rising, “not because people are earning more,” the ÖGB boss emphasized.
He is not yet able to say much about the usefulness of the newly established committee of the federal government, which has to analyze the inflation wave. That only makes sense if it can also propose and initiate measures. “I don’t know to what extent the Commission can do that,” Katzian emphasized that he was not aware of the rules of procedure or other details. “I can’t tell yet if it has teeth or if it is a toothless tiger.”
Katzian continued, wondering if parliament would retroactively enact the rent freeze — because high rents were also a driver of inflation. “People are really pissed off and are on the edge of what is still affordable,” said the ÖGB boss.
Source: Krone
I’m an experienced news author and editor based in New York City. I specialize in covering healthcare news stories for Today Times Live, helping to keep readers informed on the latest developments related to the industry. I have a deep understanding of medical topics, including emerging treatments and drugs, the changing laws that regulate healthcare providers, and other matters that affect public health.
