“It’s enough for the employees in this country.” That’s how the Vice-President of the Pro-Ge Elfriede Schober summed up the mood among the employees. A few days before the start of the metal workers’ traditionally trend-setting autumn wage round, the ÖGB is organizing demonstrations against the increased cost of living throughout Austria tomorrow, Saturday – including Linz (starting at 2 p.m., Volksgarten).
The trade union federation held a press conference yesterday, Thursday, and called on politicians and employers to take a number of measures.
Price brakes and tax cuts
Among other things, the trade union federation is demanding a gross minimum wage of EUR 2,000 for all sectors and a temporary reduction in VAT on food and fuel. A “heating cost brake”, similar to the model of the electricity price brake that has already been adopted, is also required.
The measures taken by the federal government so far would be appreciated, but “sustainable solutions” are needed to combat rising inflation, said ÖGB state chairman Andreas Stangl. “One-off payments do nothing at all against rising inflation.” The vida trade union, represented by Helmut Woisetschläger, once again confirmed its willingness to bring forward the collective agreement negotiations to the autumn. Should this not happen, “we will not shy away from taking works council measures”.
Source: Nachrichten
