Timber industry to conclude the collective agreement negotiations

Collective bargaining agreement for 2 years, agreement maintains competitiveness and creates planning security, increased income of employees

Vienna (OTS) – On February 27, 2023, the collective bargaining partners of the timber industry were able to agree on a collective bargaining agreement. DI Markus Schmölzer, head of collective agreement negotiations for the Austrian timber industry, explains: “Negotiations on collective agreements are a particular challenge in the current economic situation. On the one hand, the rising costs for raw materials and energy are a burden on our companies, on the other hand, our employees are also suffering from high inflation. The conclusion of the collective agreement is a sign for employees that we employers value the work of our specialists and that our industry remains attractive for employees.”

After intensive negotiations, it was possible to put together a convincing overall package that strengthens employees’ incomes and maintains the competitiveness of companies and creates planning security. Schmölzer emphasizes: “The ability of the social partners to compromise, especially in difficult times, ensures a balance of interests and stability. That is a great advantage of Austria as a location.”

The collective agreement contains the following key points for 28,000 employees from 1,300 companies:

From May 1, 2023, increase in actual wages and salaries by 9.7%
Increase in collectively agreed minimum wages and salaries by 9.80%
Increase in apprentice income in the first year of apprenticeship well above the KV percentage
€2,300 minimum wage for workers until May 1, 2024
2000 euros minimum salary for employees in the lower employment groups until May 1st, 2024
From 1 May 2024 increase of 0.5% for collective bargaining and minimum wages and minimum salaries as well as for actual wages and actual salaries plus the percentage change in the CPI compared to the previous year
Total term 2 years until April 30, 2025
Additional holiday entitlement of three days for beneficiaries of the disabled

ABOUT US

The Association of the Austrian Wood Industry represents the interests of almost 1,300 wood-processing companies in the construction product, furniture, panel, saw and ski industries as well as in other wood-processing companies such as pallet production. With around 28,000 employees, companies in the wood industry generate products worth 10.43 billion euros and a foreign trade surplus of 1.62 billion euros. Within the wood value chain, the wood industry is a key sector and the starting point for many other uses of wood. More than 300,000 people are employed along the forestry and timber industry value chain, especially in rural regions. The timber industry is an indispensable part of the Austrian economy.
You can find more information on the wood industry in Austria in the current industry report.