Demonstration in Linz

“Retail employees need their coal”

The tenor at the union's rally on Schillerplatz in Linz: "We want to be compensated for inflation."(Bild: Horst Einöder/Flashpictures)

Despite the cold temperatures, Friday afternoon was a hot one at Schillerplatz in Linz: the GPA trade union had invited people to a protest rally. With loud music and whistles, the protesters swore their allegiance to the ongoing nationwide salary negotiations in the retail sector.

Alluding to the Christmas season, GPA Upper Austria Managing Director Wolfgang Gerstmayer shouted from the stage to the crowd, which was smaller than expected by the organizers with 100 to 150 participants: "For what you'll be doing over the next four weeks alone, you deserve a deal far above the inflation rate."

Plus of 4.3 percent demanded
This is exactly what the union is pushing for with its demand for a salary increase of 4.3 percent, as the average inflation rate over the past twelve months is 3.8 percent. According to Gerstmayer, inflation must be compensated, "especially in retail, where many women and many people work part-time". The employers' offer is plus 3.1 percent this year and a plus of 0.5 percent for inflation in the coming year.

"There is nothing to distribute"
Martin Sonntag, Chairman of the Upper Austrian Chamber of Commerce, explains: "Energy costs are running away from us and sales are stagnating or falling. In the furniture trade, for example, our turnover is down ten to 15 percent compared to the previous year. There is nothing to distribute."

The employers' offer is far too low. It's about compensating for inflation, but it's also about appreciation.

Wolfgang Gerstmayer, Geschäftsführer der Gewerkschaft GPA OÖ

Only recently, an agreement was reached in the public sector for an increase of 3.5 percent. The next round of negotiations for the retail sector will take place on Tuesday. At the rally in Linz, a works council member expressed understanding for the other side: "We know that the situation in retail is not easy, but the employees also need their money."