The fourth round of collective bargaining for 55,000 railway workers begins Tuesday at 11:00 AM. The vida union seeks a 3.9 percent wage increase and a 38.5-hour work week, while employers argue the 40-hour standard remains necessary for the 98 firms involved.
Union negotiator Gerhard Tauchner notes last year's 3.26 percent inflation exceeded the previous settlement. Employers, led by Thomas Scheiber, claim a 3.9 percent hike is only sustainable over two years, estimating total costs at a five percent increase.
Failure to reach an agreement may trigger works meetings, a move the Economic Chamber criticizes as premature. While vida chairman Roman Hebenstreit demands significant raises, Tauchner disputes employer calculations regarding the cost of shorter hours.