Austrian trade union younion has successfully secured deals to safeguard public healthcare services in Vienna, as well as better pay for council staff.
Plans to privatise the Wiener Krankenanstaltenverbund (KAV), one of the biggest hospital operators in Europe, have been abandoned. This means the pay and conditions of KAV’s 30,000 workers will be protected, and they will continue to have the status of municipal employees. “Many colleagues were insecure, but now they can finally breathe,” said younion president Christian Meidlinger.
A further accord with the City of Vienna has brought reform of staff wages and conditions. As of 2018, new entrants can expect a higher salary level and modernised employment rules.
"The agreement is a strong signal of a functioning social partnership,” commented Christian Meidlinger. We have found solutions that are acceptable to all. The salary reform brings a gross minimum wage of €1,670: a valuable contribution to social justice. Unity makes us strong!"
Younion has also launched a petition in support of childcare workers in the Lower Austria region. Highlighting the growing number of responsibilities carers face, the petition calls for more training and education, career opportunities, and fair pay reflecting the demands of the job.