Vienna Airport: The Ongoing Conflict Between AUA Management and Vida Union Leaves Employees in Limbo

Vienna Airport is hopeful for a resolution between AUA management and the vida union as they have been heavily impacted by the ongoing conflict. Günther Ofner, the airport boss, believes that 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. However, it seems that negotiations are ongoing with no concessions being made by either side. The fear of losing face may be preventing both sides from reaching an agreement.

The AUA negotiations began around three months ago in mid-January. The union has announced no further strikes at this time, but there is currently no date set for another official round of negotiations. On Thursday, an agreement was reached 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.

The AUA is offering an eight percent increase retroactively for 2024, with five percent each for 2025 and 2026. However, the union is concerned that the AUA includes future inflation in the five percent offered for the later years. Negotiations are ongoing to include 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 and have a significant impact on resolving the conflict.

If no agreement is reached and another strike occurs, it could potentially become a negative precedent in Austrian economic history. The outcome of these negotiations will determine whether or not both sides will come together to find a resolution that benefits everyone involved in this ongoing conflict at Vienna Airport.