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Renegotiation of civil servant salaries in 2026: Fight for fair solutions!
Civil servant salaries for 2026 are being renegotiated. GÖD and younion are demanding fair solutions, the government is threatening zero wage rounds.
Renegotiation of civil servant salaries in 2026: Fight for fair solutions!
On September 25, 2025, a significant meeting took place in the Chancellery, which opened new perspectives for civil servant salaries in 2026. The Public Service Union (GÖD) and younion are ready to talk about renegotiating salaries after the previous salary agreement is no longer valid. This originally envisaged salary increases of 0.3 percentage points above the inflation rate for 2026, which would have meant a total increase of around 3.3 percent. However, according to [5min.at](https://www.5min.at/oesterreich/5202509251201/neuer-anlauf-helfergehaelter-fuer-2026- Werden-neu-negotiated/), a decision has already been made for an increase of 0.3 percentage points above inflation for 2026, which is now in jeopardy.
The two union leaders, Eckehard Quin from the GÖD and Christian Meidlinger from younion, have encouraged the preliminary negotiations with the government. Quin was critical of the proposed zero pay rounds for 2027 and 2028, calling them “deeply unfair and completely unacceptable”. Trade unions set clear red lines to represent the interests of their members. It is emphasized that willingness to talk does not mean compliance.
Challenges for negotiations
The current negotiations are under pressure from a critical budget situation, which has caused both the ÖVP and the SPÖ to rethink their position. Finance Minister Markus Marterbauer (SPÖ) perceived the situation as a task for society as a whole and pointed out that all parts of the population had to make a contribution. Alexander Pröll, State Secretary and member of the ÖVP, praised the responsibility that the social partners are taking on in this economically challenging time.
The unions have discussed their next steps in internal consultations and are determined to protect the interests of the employees. Quin and Meidlinger emphasized the need for sustainable and fair solutions that appropriately recognize public service achievements. Particular attention is paid to the agreement, which must under no circumstances be terminated unilaterally after previous agreements have already been made.
Political reactions and outlooks
The NEOS have already criticized the original salary agreement in the past and are calling for constructive discussions about the new conditions. Martina von Künsberg Sarre, NEOS negotiator, spoke of a show of strength across society that is required to master the situation. If negotiations fail, the existing resolution resulting from the original agreement will apply.
In this context, Chancellor Christian Stocker has warned that without sufficient willingness to negotiate, zero wage rounds could be unavoidable. Expectations are high and it remains to be seen how efficient the talks between the government and the unions will be. The desire for a fair and sustainable conclusion is paramount in order to adequately reward the public service and its employees.
The next few days will be crucial for the outcome of these negotiations and could have far-reaching consequences for civil servant salaries in Austria. Although the unions are willing to talk, the financial conditions and the government's attitude will be decisive in determining whether an agreement can be reached.