Mahrer intervenes

WKÖ salary increase halved: Mahrer pulls the emergency brake

The President of the Chamber of Commerce, Harald Mahrer, suddenly had to go on the offensive after the great political outrage surrounding the salary increase in his chamber.(Bild: Eva Manhart)

The head of the Chamber of Commerce, Harald Mahrer, intervenes in the heated debate and excitement surrounding the salary increase for employees. According to the latest information from the "Krone" newspaper, the full increase is still coming - but "only" for half as long as previously announced.

Mahrer had to take action before the debate about the planned salary increase in the chamber escalated completely. The U-turn was triggered in part by reports in the "Krone" newspaper, but apparently also by political pressure from the very top. According to reports from around the Chancellery, head of government Christian Stocker was anything but pleased about the chamber's salary increase plans after his back operation.

"What would be mathematically correct is not always the right signal," said the boss himself. In all nine chambers of commerce, he said, salary adjustments were being made. Instead of the automatic increase of 4.2 percent, there will be an adjustment of 2.1 percent, which is below the current inflation rate, emphasizes Mahrer.

In fact, however, the halving is only half the truth, because: As Mahrer had to confirm according to "Krone" information from government circles, the 4.2 percent increase does indeed exist - but only from July and therefore only for half as long.

Old "politician's trick" before the next increase
"An old politician's trick, because the next increase will of course be based on the 4.2 percent increase and not on a theoretical average," observers criticize.

This would have been the planned wage increase in relation to other sectors. For the time being, however, nothing will come of it.(Bild: Krone KREATIV)

However, there was also criticism in advance. Industrialist Stephan Zöchling threatened to stop paying the chamber levy and called on like-minded people to boycott. "The fact that the Chamber of Commerce wanted to pay above-average wage increases in its own sphere of influence at the expense of local entrepreneurs was an irresponsible decision. It was not a word of power, but the loud public outcry that has now led to those responsible having to pull the ripcord at the last moment," criticized NEOS General Secretary Douglas Hoyos.

Pink Party wants to abolish the chamber levy
He added: "Anyone who seriously wants Austria's economy to get back on its feet must abolish the Chamber levy 2 without replacement.

The Chamber of Commerce emphasizes that its salary adjustments are automatic. This is always increased one year after the collective agreement negotiations. According to the previous method adopted by all parliamentary groups in 2024, the increase of 4.2 percent would have been justified, as it is based on the high agreements of the previous year.

"We needed to put our foot down"
In an interview with Krone, Mahrer now emphasizes: "We needed to put our foot down, as the formula that has been in place so far is correct, but does not take into account the current challenges facing the country as a whole." Special times require special measures from everyone - "especially in view of the fact that pensioners and the public sector are also making their contribution". Major reforms are now more necessary than ever. Also as a signal for the business location. We will see whether the message gets through ...