Tariff conflict: Bus drivers are calling for higher wages and better conditions!

Tariff conflict: Bus drivers are calling for higher wages and better conditions!

Frankfurt, Deutschland - The bus drivers in public transport are the focus of tense collective bargaining. In Austria, the Vida union has formulated clear demands: a wage increase of 3.7 percent is necessary to improve working conditions. Berend Tusch, state chairman of VIDA, complains about long service times of up to 15 hours and short -day sleep times. The employer side, on the other hand, only proposes 3.5 percent more wages. The next round of negotiations will take place on February 17, and if no significant progress is made, a warning strike will face February 20, as reported.

In Hesse, on the other hand, a preliminary solution seems to have been found. The bus drivers of private companies have reached an agreement after intensive negotiations. The Verdi union and employers have accepted the arbitration saying that provides for a total salary increase of 15 percent over the next three years and an inflation compensation of 3,000 euros. This agreement, which was announced on Friday, ensures that the approximately 7,000 drivers affected will receive an appropriate remuneration. The new collective agreement has a term by the end of March 2027, such as hessenschau.de reported.

striking times belong to the past

The series of strikes in Hesse, which had significantly affected public transport, has ended. The employer side recognizes an enormous burden in collective bargaining, while industry experts refer to an impending shortage of skilled workers from 8,000 bus drivers in the coming years. Negotiations in Tyrol and Hesse impressively show the challenges and necessary steps to improve working conditions for bus drivers in both countries.