Union Pro-Ge mourns the loss of Karl Dürtscher, a giant of the labor market

Union Pro-Ge mourns the loss of Karl Dürtscher, a giant of the labor market

The Pro-Ge union mourns the loss of its former federal manager Karl Dürtscher, who died after a serious illness. Dürtscher was a formative figure in the Austrian trade union movement and, as chief negotiator of the GPA union, had a significant influence on collective agreement policy in the metal industry. According to Pro-Ge Federal President Reinhold Binder, Dürtscher's death is considered a painful loss for the entire union movement.

Dürtscher has been working in the GPA since 1985, and since 2018 he has held the office of federal manager. One of his most important services is responsibility for over 170 collective contracts that have a decisive impact on working conditions and wages in various industries. Dürtscher often performed together with Binder during wage negotiations, which illustrates his close cooperation with other union representatives.

Dürtscher's legacy in collective agreements

his role in collective agreement was particularly important during the Corona pandemic when he was instrumental in the negotiations on short-time work. This regulation helped to secure their jobs in a difficult time. Dürtscher has not only represented the interests of union members, but also influenced working life in Austria.

The Pro-Ge union appreciates Dürtscher's contribution to the success and stability of the Austrian industry. As a chamber council in the Chamber of Labor and in various functions in the self -government of social security, including as deputy chairman of the Vienna area health insurance and a member of the AuVA board of directors, Dürtscher has always fought for the rights of employees.

collective contracts: an important achievement

collective contracts that Dürtscher decisively shaped are one of the most important achievements of the trade union movement in Austria. These contracts are negotiated by advocacy groups in order to achieve better income and working conditions for entire industries or companies. The first collective agreement negotiations took place in the second half of the 19th century when the fundamental right to merger in clubs was decided in 1867.

By the beginning of the First World War, around 500 collective agreements were concluded in Austria. The legal framework for this was created by the 1947 collective agreement law, which implemented the provisions of the international work organization in national law. Around 450 collective contracts are currently being concluded annually, which underlines the relevance of these contracts in today's working world.

The Pro GE union brings its sincere sympathy to the family of Karl Dürtscher and emphasizes the handbeat quality that has shaped its work. His commitment and services will be reminded in the trade union movement.