"Krone" reader feedback

3.5 percent for civil servants: “We deserve it!

(Bild: APA/JUDITH RISS)

Just before the planned large-scale demonstration by public servants, an agreement has now been reached after all. Previously, the GÖD trade union had complained about faltering salary negotiations and called for a protest. We have collected the reactions of our readers for you!

According to Civil Service Minister Werner Kogler (Greens), the agreement averages 3.5 percent and is socially staggered. In addition, a settlement for 2026 has already been agreed. This will be based on inflation in the period from October 2024 to September 2025 and increased by a further 0.3 percent.

Many readers welcome the pay rises, even if the socially staggered 3.5 percent is still not enough for many.

"People only ever talk about civil servants"
 Some readers point out the broad definition of public servants. While the classic idea of civil servants includes fewer and fewer people, public servants also include teachers, law enforcement officers and public health workers.

Whether it is numerous overtime hours or precarious working conditions: Many public sector professions are nowhere near as attractive as the classic idea of a civil servant would suggest. Here, many readers would have liked to have seen separate degrees or at least a stronger social gradation.

"Our state is on the brink of financial collapse!"
 However, there are also critical voices regarding the agreed pay increases. The financial imbalance is being further exacerbated by the pay settlements in the public sector. Some readers see potential for savings here.

Reader friedaleo56 mentions the approach of a private company in such a situation. Layoffs and wage cuts would be unavoidable in a company on the verge of bankruptcy. So should the state act like a private company here and suspend wage increases?

How did you perceive the wage settlements in the public sector? Do you think the increases have been high enough? What impact would a strike by public sector employees have had on the country? We look forward to your comments!