Strikes loom from 20.

Bus drivers are once again under pressure today

Clenched fist - works councillors Markus Ernst from ÖBB Postbus and Thomas Stiller from Dr. Richard with chief trade unionist Horst Pammer (from left).(Bild: René Denk)

After faltering collective agreement negotiations, the fourth round of talks between the private bus drivers' union and employers is now starting. In the run-up to the talks, the staff representatives are already showing themselves to be combative and have announced warning strikes in the event of a poor outcome.

Around 12,000 employees work for private bus companies. After unsuccessful collective bargaining negotiations for the vida and GPF unions, the fourth round of negotiations starts today.

If the employers again fail to make concessions on improvements to working conditions, a first warning strike will take place on Thursday, according to the unions.

Above all, they are demanding genuine compensation for inflation and tangible improvements to working hours and break times - for example, a usable toilet where employees have longer standing times. "This will also counteract the self-inflicted staff shortage," vida regional head Horst Pammer is certain.