“Due to the extremely tense budgetary situation, I invite you together with the Federal Minister of Finance to enter into talks on salary development,” wrote the state secretary Alexander Pröll (VP) responsible for the public service on Tuesday evening to the two chief negotiators Eckehard Quin (Union of public service) and Christian Meidlinger from the Younion union for the municipal services. And further: “We are aware that this is a special challenge against the background of the conclusion that has already been decided for 2026.” Pröll also provides an appointment proposal: September 16, 11.30 a.m., in the Federal Chancellery.
- Read a comment: Unpleasant step
Quin knows from the göd – which has never spoken in the past few days – Quin knows that the appointment will of course be noticed. However, he makes it clear that one is not the savings bank of the Republic. The statement should not be confused with weakness, the statement said, in which it was remembered that combat measures had to be initiated in the previous year until the demand for discussions was met after a quarter of a year. “This is not my understanding of the social partnership.”
Unusual change of roles
Usually the Göd approaches the employer to ask for an appointment for salary increases. This time the Göd was able to sit back because there is a conclusion that the National Council has poured into a legal form.
Pröll said about invitation that the question of salary developments was central to finance and location. In all areas, it is important to meet responsibility. “There must be no taboos.” In order to prevent “to take more drastic measures, you need an effort and a contribution of all”. Finance Minister Markus Marterbauer (SP) justifies the step with the sentence: “In view of the high inflation and the necessary strict budget enforcement, we are looking for a conversation with the unions.”
Rejection of the independent
The Ugöd (independent trade unionists in the public service) showed immediately after the government letter became known). “We strictly reject the renegotiation of the salary financial statements.” The invitation to the conversation is a sign of a lack of appreciation. The opening of the salary degree means the “break of the state word”.
A way out of this situation, which is uncomfortable for the government, could be that not only the conclusion for 2026 will be put on, but is also anticipated for the 2027 conclusion, it is said yesterday. The OÖN have already reported on this. Looking for creative solutions would be searched, according to government circles. Settling frames or lids with a fixed amount for higher salaries are possible. A solution will be targeted in October at the latest.
Source: Nachrichten
