This year’s wage negotiations will be “a feat of strength”, that’s clear to the chief negotiator of the metalworkers’ union, Rainer Wimmer. In the OÖN interview, the representative of 130,000 employees in the metal technology industry leaves no doubt that real wage growth is needed precisely because of the high inflation. The claims will be handed over on September 19th.
“The price increase in daily shopping is 20 percent, people – especially in the lower income groups – need the cost-of-living adjustment,” says Wimmer. Politicians must take measures to curb inflation, not to compensate for inflation, said the SP member of the National Council.
The wage settlements would replicate the past. Therefore, the basis is the annual inflation from September 2021 to August 2022. This will be six to seven percent, according to Wimmer.
The companies in the sector earned very well last year. “The hay is in the barn,” says Wimmer. He is aware that the prospects are extremely uncertain, but the basis is always inflation compensation and the productivity growth achieved.
One-off payments from the good earnings of the previous year are no way out, according to Wimmer. “People need permanent increases, not something that fizzles out right away.” The government’s abolition of cold progression is a step in the right direction, but he prefers the wrong people. “From the abolition of progression, those who earn a lot get a lot more than the hackers.” Wimmer points out that a skilled metal worker would earn an average of 2800 gross. According to the Chamber of Labor’s gross-net calculator, a net amount of 1,955 euros remains in this case. The employees would earn better.
In the “Ö1-Mittagsjournal”, the Fachverband Metalltechnische Industrie (FMTI) refers to the particularly demanding and unusual framework conditions. High inflation affects companies and employees alike. “Reason, a sense of proportion and a sense of responsibility” are therefore needed. (sib)
Source: Nachrichten
