It was after their third meeting that the social partners in the Austrian chemical industry – second industry in the country in terms of value produced – agreed on wage increases that show the clear improvement in the situation of the sector’s businesses. As of may 1, 2011, sectoral minimum wage, posted and night work as well as apprenticeship pay will increase by 3.15%. For the rest of the wage grid, pay will go up by 3.05%. The minimum is €56, which unions say leads to an increase around €3.64 for the lowest wages. Apprentices finishing training successfully will receive a €250 bonus. Finally, employers’ special contributions for health for posted employees will go from €50 to €70. “Order books are full and production in the sector went back to their level of 2006 and 2007” declared Alfred Artmaüer and Romand Krenn, respectively negotiators for the PRO-GE and GPA-dip unions to justify these increased. They also reminded that, in 2010, chemistry businesses gave nearly 95% of their profit in shareholders’ dividends. This new agreement, valid for 12 months, is coming after a crisis agreement signed in 2009. Last year, the sector’s 45,000 employees had to do with a 0.6% increase above inflation, i.e. 1.19%.
2007” declared Alfred Artmaüer and Romand Krenn, respectively negotiators for the PRO-GE and GPA-dip unions to justify these increased. They also reminded that, in 2010, chemistry businesses gave nearly 95% of their profit in shareholders’ dividends. This new agreement, valid for 12 months, is coming after a crisis agreement signed in 2009. Last year, the sector’s 45,000 employees had to do with a 0.6% increase above inflation, i.e. 1.19%.
Planet Labor, May 9, 2011, No. 110310 – www.planetla
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