Bus drivers are finally demanding fair working conditions – now there’s a strike!

Bus drivers are finally demanding fair working conditions – now there’s a strike!

Just in time for March 5th, the vida union will enter into negotiations again with the Austrian Chamber of Commerce (WKÖ) in order to improve the working conditions for the 12,000 bus drivers in private bus companies. This follows Austria-wide warning strikes on February 20th, which underlined the urgency of drivers' concerns. “We asked for an earlier date, but the employers were not prepared to accept it,” said Markus Petritsch, chairman of the vida road department, disappointedly OTS reported. The union makes it clear that employers' current offers, such as only 50 cents more for night work, are viewed as inadequate.

Urgent demands and strike clearance

The situation is tense: an overwhelming majority of bus drivers have spoken out in favor of combat measures, even strikes. The vida and GPF unions have confirmed this in works meetings and online surveys. “We expect employers to return with a better offer,” they demanded in view of the upcoming 4th round of KV negotiations. If the WKÖ again only offers cosmetic changes, a strike clearance has already been requested from the ÖGB, as is the case Exchange Express reported. The pressure on employers, who face the current staff shortage due to below-average working conditions, is growing.

“The bus drivers often work to the limit,” a study by the University of Vienna found. Stress and health problems characterize the everyday working lives of drivers who long for more attractive working conditions. There is a lack of planning and support, especially during long shifts, which makes the job unattractive. It remains to be seen whether the coming negotiations will lead to improvements, as the ball is now in the employers' court.