First breakthrough: Chemical industry achieves a wage increase of 2.65%!

First breakthrough: Chemical industry achieves a wage increase of 2.65%!

On April 24, 2025, after intensive negotiations, the first end of the spring wage round 2025 for the chemical industry was achieved in Vienna. The conclusion, which applies to around 50,000 employees, follows a 13-hour negotiation, which was led by the Pro-Ge and GPA unions. In view of the increased cost of living, the collective bargaining parties met some central demands to relieve the financial pressure on employees.

wages and salaries increase by 2.65 %from May 1st. It is planned that they increase at least 80 euros and a maximum of 113 euros. Particular attention was also paid to the salaries of the top usage groups V to VI, which are raised by 60 euros. Apprentices also benefit from this agreement, since their income will increase by 2.65 %.

Details for agreement

Another important measure is the increase in shift and night work allowances by 2.65 %. Expenses and trade fairs also experience an increase of 2 %. In addition, the tax -free mileage for trips is raised to 0.50 euros per year. Against the background of increased cost of living, these increases are to be understood as the employer's answer, which were addressed in the course of the spring wage round.

The degree marks the first successful step of the spring wage round 2025 in the large industrial sectors in Austria. Pro-GE chief negotiator Johann Schernberger underlined the need for sustainable and noticeable wage increases, which adequately take into account the inflation. The unions had in particular called for an increase in the collective agreement and actual wages above the average inflation rate and a special consideration of low income.

look at upcoming negotiations

The successful completion in the chemical industry sets a yardstick for the next negotiations that are due on April 30, 2025 for the electrical and electronics industry. It is important to adequately address the needs of the employees in a challenging economic situation.

The collective agreement for the chemical industry applies to employees in all federal states in Austria and regulates the working conditions that also go beyond the salary increases. This includes regulations for normal working hours, overtime remuneration and special payments, such as the 13th and 14th monthly salary. The apprentices are also affected by specific regulations that should ensure adequate remuneration.

In view of the multitude of changes and claims presented by the unions in the negotiations, it remains to be seen to what extent they will also be taken into account in the upcoming rounds of negotiations. In any case, the first round of negotiations is to be rated as positive, even if the challenges on the job market remain.