Vienna Airport, heavily impacted by the AUA conflict, is hopeful for a resolution between AUA management and the vida union. Airport boss Günther Ofner believes a solution must be reached to avoid further damage to the total of 70,000 employees and other suppliers and service providers at the airport. If no agreement is reached and another strike occurs, the AUA conflict has the potential to become a negative precedent in Austrian economic history.
On Friday at the AUA, discussions took place at various levels, but no negotiations occurred. It seems that neither side is willing to make concessions that could lead to negotiations, as it may result in losing face for one party. The AUA negotiations began around three months ago in mid-January. Currently, there is no date set for another official round of negotiations nor has the union announced any further strikes.
The union is concerned that the AUA includes future inflation in the five percent offered for the later years. Negotiations are ongoing with the possibility of including a clause to ensure employees receive a fixed surcharge on inflation in 2025. This would help address the risk of wages not keeping up with price increases. The outcome of these negotiations will have a significant impact on the resolution of the AUA conflict. An agreement was reached on Thursday with representatives of the employers’ side for a seven percent increase for employees starting on May 1st, based on the inflation rate of 6.34 percent over the past twelve months.