After the Austria-wide warning strikes in February, the situation in the Austrian bus industry is coming to a head. On March 5, 2025, the Vida union will resume negotiations with the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (WKÖ) for the approximately 12.000 employees in the collective agreement for private bus companies. The union is demanding noticeably better working conditions, but sees little willingness on the part of employers.
Markus Petritsch, chairman of the Vida road department, regrets that the employers were not prepared to agree to an earlier negotiation date. The union is currently working with employees and works councils to resolve the strike action of February 20. The union is receiving support from climate activists from the organizations Fridays For Future and System Change, Not Climate Change!, who believe that a climate-friendly mobility transition is not feasible without more attractive working conditions for bus drivers.
Petritsch criticizes the employers' offer so far as "a mockery of the employees." 50 cents more for an hour of night work is completely inadequate given the sometimes precarious working conditions, such as the lack of toilets during work. The union members also accuse the employers of wanting to offset the relief measures demanded, such as shortening the long shifts of up to 15 hours, with deteriorations in other areas. If no substantially improved offer is made in the next round of negotiations, there is a risk of the strike action being expanded.