Negotiations for a collective bargaining agreement for the approximately 250.000 employees in the Austrian tourism and hospitality sector remain stalled. Following the unilateral termination of the talks by the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (WKÖ), an initial mediation meeting took place between the Vida trade union and State Secretary for Tourism Elisabeth Zehetner.
During negotiations, the employee representatives demanded full compensation for rolling inflation as well as structural improvements to working conditions, while the employers' offer, according to the union, would have led to real wage losses. Vida's chief negotiator, Eva Eberhart, assessed the meeting at the State Secretariat as constructive, but expressed considerable skepticism regarding a swift return to the negotiating table.
The discussion focused on structural problems within the industry, particularly the high employee turnover, which is measurable from an economic perspective. The union presented the State Secretary with a detailed list of questions highlighting critical aspects of current industry developments. Among other things, the employee representatives addressed the high proportion of foreign workers, which now stands at around 60 percent in the Austrian tourism sector. Vida is demanding concrete control mechanisms from policymakers to protect staff from potential wage pressure and a decline in working standards. Furthermore, the union questions why, despite reported record revenues, companies called for wage restraint beforehand.
Another point of criticism from the employee side concerns government labor market and support policies in the tourism sector. The union questions the forced influx of workers from third countries via the Red-White-Red Card system and demands transparency regarding whether this is displacing domestic job seekers. Likewise, disclosure is required from companies that received government support during the pandemic but regularly use the seasonal layoff model to temporarily secure employees' financial stability through the Public Employment Service (AMS). Vida is calling for a higher tax burden on companies that do not offer year-round employment compared to those that do.
Economic analysts point out that the ongoing conflict could significantly hinder the recruitment of skilled workers in the run-up to the upcoming seasons. While employers cite increased operating costs, higher energy prices, and the need for competitive pricing, the union insists on social security for lower-paid workers and apprentices, who are considered particularly vulnerable to poverty. Since the State Secretariat can only act as a mediator and has no legal authority to dictate wage agreements, the resolution of the conflict remains primarily dependent on the willingness of both social partners to compromise. The coming weeks will show whether the mediation efforts are sufficient to avert strikes or prolonged labor disputes in the hospitality industry.