Agree in the social economy: 4% salary increase for 130,000 employees

Agree in the social economy: 4% salary increase for 130,000 employees

In a significant step for the employees of the social economy in Austria, a new collective agreement was recently signed. After intensive three rounds of negotiations, which lasted around 16 hours, the social partners agreed on a salary increase of four percent for the approximately 130,000 employees in the industry. This decision, which was announced by the union on Tuesday night on Tuesday, ensures that the salaries of the employees increase in both the minimum and in the actual salaries.

This salary increase not only includes the basic wages, but also all allowances and surcharges, which are also raised by four percent. This is particularly important at a time when many people in Austria are faced with economic challenges. The new collective agreement will come into force from January 1, 2025 and also brings further material improvements.

important changes in the collective agreement

are one of the essential points of the new collective agreement:

• increase in minimum and actual salaries by four percent.
• raising the allowances and surcharges also by four percent.
• increase in the large flexibility surcharge (bonus for stepping in) to 50 euros.
• The small flexibility surcharge is increased to 25 euros.
• The additional care grant remains in the additional collective agreement.
• improvements for administrative employees regarding the uses.
• A social security for day parents has been agreed.

Eva Scherz, one of the negotiators of the GPA union, emphasized the importance of this agreement in difficult economic times. "Especially in these challenging times, we make sure that the employees can continue to afford their lives. This conclusion was only possible because our colleagues were behind us and demonstrated strength in company meetings and rallies," she said.

In addition, Michaela Guglberger from the Vida union emphasized that not only the salaries were increased, but also the working conditions for the employees have to be improved in order to make the industry more attractive. This is an essential measure to maintain and increase the quality of services in the social economy.

The employer side also expressed itself positively about the agreement and recognized that despite the current recession and the economically tense situation, a real wage increase was achieved for the employees in health and social professions. The negotiations were challenging, but the agreement is considered important progress.

Another aspect that was addressed as part of the negotiations is social security for day parents, which is now also taken into account. With the new regulations, it should be made easier for employees to secure their livelihood, while at the same time the quality of care and support is preserved in the social sector.