The third round of collective bargaining for the 45,000 employees in around 250 companies in the chemical industry ended on Friday without an agreement. The employee representatives continue to insist on a wage increase of 6 percent, which the employers believe is “economically unfeasible”.
After the recovery had already been significantly dampened last year by the sharp rise in prices for energy, logistics and raw materials, the industry is even facing a recession this year due to the war in Ukraine, argues the Association of the Austrian Chemical Industry (FCIÖ). The employers are offering a 4.0 percent wage increase and a one-time payment of 150 euros.
The unions PRO-GE and GPA now want to step up the pressure and hold works meetings from April 26th to 29th. According to union information, the next round of negotiations was agreed for May 3rd. The collective agreement is to come into effect on May 1st.
Source: Nachrichten
