Strike of the bus drivers: Employers warn of chaos for commuters!

Strike of the bus drivers: Employers warn of chaos for commuters!

Laimgrubengasse 10, 1060 Wien, Österreich - The threatened strikes of the bus drivers on February 20, 2025 are moving closer after the negotiations between employers and the Vida union failed. According to the Economic Chamber have submitted a comprehensive offer also included a wage increase of 3.5 % and improved working conditions. However, the VIDA repeatedly demolished the negotiations and referred to unrealistic demands, including an almost 10 percent increase in salary, which, according to Martin Horvath, chairman of the professional group Bus in the WKÖ, would be "threatening to exist" for the industry. Horvath describes the strike announcements as "ruthless" and warns of serious consequences for thousands of passengers.

mutual allegations

The private bus industry is exposed to severe allegations. According to the VIDA, wage dumping is to take place and Bus Leniters are preferred with red and white-red cards, which Horvath vehemently rejects. Employers emphasize that less than 1 % of the bus drivers currently have foreign red and white-red cards and that the entry-level salaries have been increased by 45 % in the past six years. Currently, bus drivers: Inside a net content of around 2,850 euros, including diets and overtime. This shows that the industry has fair working conditions and salaries for all drivers: on the inside, regardless of their origin, offers, as WKO reported.

Horvath criticizes the VIDA that, instead of relying on a constructive dialogue, it aims at escalation and media attention. With warning strikes, they would take the commuters, including many school -age children, in hostage, which undermine the basic principles of a fair negotiation. The employer appeals to VIDA to meet their responsibility towards employees and passengers, since a lack of compromise could have serious consequences for the future of the bus industry.