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EDUCATION

Vienna’s kindergartens strike for better work conditions

On Tuesday, the majority of private kindergartens, after-school care centres, and school-based recreational care providers are closed from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. due to a strike by employees.

Published: 24 October 2023 06:19 CEST
Vienna's kindergartens strike for better work conditions
Vienna childcare facilities are on strike Tuesday for one day. (Photo by Alexander Grey / Pexels)

Even municipal kindergartens have joined the protests, operating only in “emergency mode as they are obligated to ensure childcare. However, the nature of this emergency service may vary by location.

Kindergarten staff are participating in rallies from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. During these protests, around 100,000 children and their families could be affected.

The primary demands focus on smaller group sizes and increased staffing to give teachers more time to engage with the children. According to the workers union, there’s a shortage of 600 teachers in municipal kindergartens in Vienna alone. Across all Viennese institutions, there is a deficit of 1,200 teachers in the elementary sector.

In addition to increased staffing, there are calls for comprehensive training and educational initiatives across Austria, on-duty supervision, and improved working conditions. A standardised federal framework law is proposed to harmonise regulations across all states, from Burgenland to Vorarlberg, including consistent group sizes.

READ ALSO: ‘Better and cheaper’: What foreigners really think about childcare in Austria

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STRIKES

Austrian Airlines reaches wages deal with workers to avoid new strikes

After several rounds of negotiations - and strikes - Austrian Airlines and cabin crew have reached a deal on wages and benefits, contractually avoiding strikes until at least 2026.

Published: 26 April 2024 09:21 CEST
Austrian Airlines reaches wages deal with workers to avoid new strikes

Austrian Airlines (AUA) has successfully concluded negotiations with its labour unions, securing a new collective labour agreement that is set to provide long-term stability until the end of 2026, as reported by Austrian media. 

According to AUA statements, this agreement not only prevents potential service disruptions but also provides a sense of stability and reliability for both employees and passengers, ensuring a smooth and worry-free travel experience.

Following over 20 rounds of negotiations, the deal encompasses approximately 3,500 pilots and flight attendants. It brings about a significant pay increase, with average salaries projected to rise 19.4 percent in stages by the end of 2026. Moreover, a performance-based bonus of up to 2 percent could be awarded in 2026, marking a substantial improvement in the employees’ remuneration.

“This negotiated solution means a significant salary increase above the inflation rate for AUA cabin crew,” said Daniel Liebhart, Chairman of the Vida trade union Aviation Section.

BACKGROUND: Austrian Airlines strikes – Are the two sides any closer to a deal?

Beyond addressing compensation concerns, the agreement tackles workload issues, reducing workload and strengthening protections for pilots who may lose their ability to fly due to unforeseen medical conditions.

“The three-year term fulfils a requirement of the employer and not only guarantees planning security for the company but also ensures high-quality and reliable flight operations for passengers. This means that travellers can book their tickets with Austrian Airlines in the coming years without any worries,” said Liebhart.

Contract guarantees no strikes

To guarantee operational stability for passengers, the agreement incorporates a “peace obligation,” prohibiting strikes for the duration of the contract – until 2026. This is particularly welcome news for travellers who experienced flight cancellations during previous labour disputes.

“The newly established peace obligation allows our passengers to book their flights with confidence,” expressed AUA’s Executive Board, highlighting their satisfaction with the negotiated terms.

READ ALSO: What direct flights can I get from Austria’s regional airports?

The agreement is subject to a favourable vote by the Vida trade union, AUA explained in the press release. Unlike last time, however, the works council and union are recommending that their members vote in favour this time, the union said, according to a Der Standard report.

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