Negotiations for Public Sector Pay Set to Conclude This Weekend

Negotiations concerning pay and working hours for over 2.5 million employees in the public service sector, including federal and municipal workers, are ongoing, with a resolution anticipated no earlier than Sunday morning. Late Saturday, both employer representatives and union officials indicated that further discussions were scheduled for the night, but the key negotiating committees would not reconvene until Sunday morning.

The discussions are crucial for workers employed in vital public roles ranging from administrative positions to childcare, waste management, healthcare, and public transportation. These negotiations are based on a mediator's recommendation that suggested a two-stage wage increase over this year and next, along with proposals for more flexible working hours.

Currently, representatives from the Verdi union and the dbb Civil Service Federation are at the negotiating table with the Association of Municipal Employers (VKA) and the Federal Ministry of the Interior. The fourth round of these tariff discussions, which began early Saturday, has proven to be challenging, though participants have described the atmosphere as constructive.

If an agreement cannot be reached, union leaders are prepared to initiate a ballot for indefinite strikes, which could significantly impact public services. The situation remains fluid as both sides continue to seek a resolution that addresses the financial and operational concerns of the public sector workforce.