After a series of intense negotiations, the Vida union and Austrian Airlines (AUA) reached an agreement on a wage increase for the airline’s on-board staff. According to a release from Vida, the salaries of approximately 2,500 flight attendants and 1,000 pilots will be gradually increased by 20 percent by 2026. The salaries of co-pilots will also see an additional 11 percent increase. Daniel Liebhart, Chairman of the Aviation Department in Vida, stated that this negotiated solution represents a significant increase in salaries above the inflation rate for AUA’s on-board staff.
The agreement is subject to a positive vote by union members, which is expected to be a formality. However, it also includes a peace obligation that prevents operational disruptions due to strikes until 2026. This means that travelers can book their flights with Austrian Airlines without hesitation in the coming years. Depending on the fiscal year 2025 outcomes, salaries could increase by an additional two percentage points in April 2026. The agreement also includes workload reduction and insurance improvements for medical-related flight license loss as part of the deal.
The negotiations were challenging and lasted for over 20 rounds since mid-January, leading to work stoppages and flight cancellations that caused significant financial losses for the company. Initially, the union demanded wage increases in line with Lufthansa, the parent company. However, management deemed it too high and proposed alternative solutions that were more cost-effective while still providing fair compensation for employees.
Günther Ofner, head of Vienna Airport, welcomed the outcome of the negotiations and expressed relief for both employees and customers alike. The agreement ensures stability of operations and prevents future strikes, allowing AUA to focus on its continued growth and customer service efforts.
Overall, this negotiated solution represents a significant victory for both Vida union members and Austrian Airlines management alike as they continue to work together to improve working conditions while maintaining financial stability within the airline industry.
