IT collective agreement: Union fights against stagnating wages!

IT collective agreement: Union fights against stagnating wages!

Negotiations on the collective agreement for the IT industry, which affects more than 90,000 employees, remain stalled. There were no progressive results in the second round of negotiations on November 24, 2025. Employers in the IT industry submitted an offer that would increase the minimum salary by just 1.6%, while the actual salaries would remain unchanged. The GPA union, led by negotiator Sandra Steiner, proved to be a critical voice and described the offer as inappropriate.

In the current negotiations, the GPA is calling for a comprehensive increase in the minimum salaries, the actual salary amount as well as apprentice income and allowances in order to position them above the current inflation rate. This inflation rate is estimated at 3.5% for 2025, based on analyzes by WIFO and IHS. Another hearing date is scheduled for December 3rd.

Increases fixed for 2025

In the last agreement on collective agreements, which included a multi-year negotiation campaign, significant adjustments were agreed for 2025. According to information from GPA, the increases have been formulated to reflect at least the forecast inflation rate of 3.05% for 2024. The actual salary amount will be increased by 3.7%, while the minimum salaries of all working families will increase by 3.2%, and this also applies to apprentice incomes.

In addition, all collective agreement bonuses will be increased by 3.05%. These adjustments are crucial to secure the purchasing power of employees in the IT industry and to keep pace with current economic developments. A strong support system within the industry is seen as a key factor in achieving these goals. The details of the new salary tables and other regulations in the collective agreement for IT services are currently being prepared.

Past collective bargaining agreements

Looking back at the collective agreements of the last few years, it is clear that the IT industry has made far-reaching adjustments in the past. In the 2024 collective agreement, the minimum basic salaries were increased by 7.8% retroactively to January 1st, while the actual salary amount also grew by 7.25%. There were also increases to the same extent for apprentices and allowances. These developments contrast with employers' current offer, which is now being questioned by the union.

Comprehensive information on collective agreements, measures and current changes is available on the websites of the GPA and the Austrian Chamber of Commerce. The online resources offer videos and webinars that provide all IT and consulting employees with useful insights into collective bargaining agreements.

The IT industry is facing crucial negotiations that are of great importance for employees. With another negotiation date in sight, it remains to be seen whether the employers will respond to the union's demands.

For detailed information on the current round of negotiations, please visit OTS, for the increases in the collective agreement visit GPA, and for further information about the collective agreement in the IT industry, you can find it at WKO.