Negotiations falter

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The union is threatening AUA with strikes in the coming Holy Week (symbolic image).

(Bild: Huber Patrick)

AUA on-board staff could go on strike in the coming Easter week. If the employer does not present a "serious offer" on Friday, the union and the on-board works council will determine the next steps, according to their own statement. As reported , negotiations on a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) broke down again on Thursday evening.

There is hardly any lead time needed for a strike, said Daniel Liebhart, chairman of the vida aviation section, on Friday. "We only need to press a button to inform the employees." In contrast, a works meeting would first have to be organized by the works council. AUA's cabin crew consists of around 3,500 employees.

An Austrian Airlines aircraft

(Bild: P. Huber)

Trade union: offer only covers inflation
The union broke off negotiations on Thursday evening and is demanding a new offer. The current offer only covers inflation, which is not an increase in real wages. In addition, salaries are still significantly lower than those of the German parent company Lufthansa.

The airline has so far offered an increase of 18 percent and up to 28 percent for co-pilots. The collective agreement is to apply until the end of 2025. This is not enough for the union. It wants salary increases of up to 40 percent and a validity period of just ten months. "This would have resulted in a loss in the previous year," AUA announced.

AUA: Can increase bonus
The company also referred to a bonus for employees: the airline paid out around EUR 30 million this year, and employees would receive up to one month's salary extra if the company was successful. This bonus could be increased to two months' salary in the future.