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STRIKES

Strikes: Austrian Airlines cancels 92 flights due to workers’ meeting

Austrian Airlines (AUA) has been forced to cancel or reschedule 92 flights on Thursday due to a works meeting being held over a wage dispute, the company has said. 

Strikes: Austrian Airlines cancels 92 flights due to workers' meeting
An Austrian Airlines plane (Photo by Jacek Dylag on Unsplash)

The airline said affected passengers have been informed or rebooked on another flight. They asked passengers to check their flight status on their website, the Austrian app or via Travel ID (with registration). Passengers booked via an (online) travel agency should contact the respective travel agency. 

“We apologise for any inconvenience caused,” the statement read.

The last time workers convened for a meeting, the company had to cancel over 100 flights, affecting around 9,000 passengers, as The Local reported.

The AUA workforce is planning a works meeting on Thursday April 4th from 9am in the dispute over better salaries for flying personnel.

It’s not clear how long the discussions will take and there is a possibility of further strikes. Despite an expressed willingness to talk on both sides, there was no deal over the Easter weekend.

READ ALSO: Austrian Airlines strikes: Are the two sides any closer to a deal?

The situation between AUA management and on-board staff appears to be deadlocked in the collective bargaining negotiations.

The union is demanding that the wage level of AUA staff be brought into line with that of the parent company, Lufthansa Group, which is based in Germany. 

The company has so far shown no intention of complying. AUA CEO Annette Mann even suggested that the Lufthansa Group could serve Vienna with cheaper airlines in future if the staff do not reduce their demands.

The collective bargaining dispute has been dragging on for weeks now, with 17 rounds of negotiations having taken place so far without any results. Hundreds of flights have been cancelled since talks began.

Last Thursday, AUA cancelled around 400 flights due to a 36-hour strike. According to the company, 50,000 passengers were affected by the strike action.

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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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