KV negotiations started: Chemical industry is fighting for better wages!

KV negotiations started: Chemical industry is fighting for better wages!

Österreich - On March 19, 2023, the spring wage round for industry began, which now also includes the chemical industry. Negotiations started as a third industry on Wednesday to represent the interests of around 50,000 employees. The Pro-Ge and GPA unions have formulated clear demands that are to be discussed in the upcoming rounds of negotiations. A central point is the increase in collective agreement and actual wages as well as salaries above the average inflation rate.

Special consideration is made for an improvement for employees with low income. In addition, an option is required to convert money in leisure time, as well as the increase in allowances, surcharges and apprenticeship income above the inflation rate. The next round of negotiations is scheduled for April 9, 2023, while the validity date for the new collective agreement is set on May 1, 2023. This information was made by OTS

further developments in collective agreement negotiations

Negotiations in the chemical industry are part of a wider trend in Austria, where numerous industries have already achieved collective agreement. For example, there is a wage increase of 2.85 % for carpenters and wood designers from May 1, 2025 for around 18,500 employees. In the financial sector, an agreement was reached to increase the minimum salaries by 3 % from April 1, 2025, which affects 68,000 employees.

All of these adjustments come in an economic context in which the inflation rate puts many industries under pressure. Therefore, the changes required in the chemical industry and other areas not only seem necessary, but also up to date. Employees expect a noticeable improvement in their living standards from the negotiations, which is of central importance in both the chemical industry and in other sectors.