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Austrian Airlines staff to hold crunch meeting ahead of possible strike

Austrian Airlines workers will meet on Friday in an ongoing dispute with bosses with more strike action a possibility. Scores of flights have already been cancelled.

Austrian Airlines staff to hold crunch meeting ahead of possible strike
An Austrian Airlines aircraft and passengers at Vienna International Airport. Photo: Daniel SLIM / AFP

Scores of Austrian Airlines workers have scheduled a crunch meeting for Friday morning. The workers meeting has already resulted in 150 flights cancelled, according to the airline.

Last week, a similar meeting by workers led to a warning strike that lasted until 5 pm on the same day. Over 100 flights were cancelled as a result.

Workers threatening to do the same on Friday to add pressure to the airline, which is part of the Lufthansa group.

Workers want higher salaries and better working conditions, as Lufthansa posts record earnings, and employees have to “handle the effects of higher inflation and cost of living”, according to union representatives.

If another strike takes place on Friday Austrian Airlines says “every effort will be made to keep the impact as low as possible” while still negotiating with workers’ unions.

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TRAVEL NEWS

Klimaticket: How to get your free Austria-wide transport pass

Austria is rolling out its free transport passes for young people to promote climate-friendly travel. Here's who's entitled to one and how to get it.

Klimaticket: How to get your free Austria-wide transport pass

Austria’s Climate Ministry announced in a press release that it will roll out its free Klimaticket offer for 18-year-olds on July 1st.

The Klimaticket is a yearly pass that, at €1,095 per year, covers nearly all public transport nationwide. So, for about €3 a day, it’s possible to ride from Vienna to Salzburg and around town without any extra expenses. You just hop on the train and go. It’s very similar to the popular Jahreskarte, or yearly ticket, in the Viennese public transport, which allows for unlimited travel in public transport within the city for €1 a day.

With the Austria-wide Klimaticket, you not only have access to Vienna’s public transport but also to the entire national network. This makes the national pass a valuable option for those who frequently travel across city limits. The subsidised offer is designed to encourage greener travel choices, and the federal government has announced that it will provide one year of Klimaticket for free to every 18-year-old residing in Austria.

Climate Minister Leonore Gewessler described the scheme as a “piece of freedom for young adults” that will start on July 1st. It was previously announced last year, as The Local reported.

READ ALSO: The spectacular Austrian train routes you can take with the Klimaticket

How will it work?

All people who have celebrated their 18th birthday since January 1st, 2024 and are registered with their residence in Austria can have the free KlimaTicket Austria issued. 

The ticket is then valid for one year—the start of validity can be freely chosen by young adults between their 18th and 21st birthdays. 

According to the Climate Ministry, the free KlimaTicket can be easily collected from the official sales and service points.

The government said around 88,000 people are eligible each year, and the authorities are earmarking €120 million for the project. 

“Young adults are being introduced to public transport as a logical, environmentally friendly alternative in everyday life. In this way, we want to inspire as many young people as possible to use public transport in the long term,” the Ministry added.

READ ALSO: Which non-Austrian destinations can you reach with a Klimaticket?

How can I pick up my Klimaticket?

The ticket can be applied for at sales outlets from June 3rd, 2024 and will be valid from July 1st. The KlimaTicket must be applied for in person at any KlimaTicket Ö sales and service points (except Wiener Linien). 

You must bring an official photo ID, a photo and a residence confirmation (not older than six months). You can find the sales and service partners online at klimaticket.at/partner.

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