The Vida union calls on Transport Minister Leonore Gewessler (Greens) and State Secretary Magnus Brunner (ÖVP) to disclose the contract on granting state aid to Austrian Airlines. So far this has been kept under lock and key by the federal government with reference to confidentiality.

The employee representatives argue: “Without precise knowledge of the contents of the contract, it is not possible for the union to bring the Lufthansa Group's actions in accordance with the location agreement. In particular, the decision to handle a significant part of the long-haul fleet via the newly founded Lufthansa subsidiary Eurowings Discover in Germany is problematic. In the Lufthansa Group, the founding of Eurowings Discover will create an opportunity to operate inexpensive flights ”.

Vida also points out that Eurowings Discover flies outside of the Lufthansa group wage agreement and that there are therefore no options for co-determination. This could also have an impact on Austria, because in the absence of local branch CT, Eurowings Discover could be used to “fly around” the location agreement concluded with the government in Austria.

Industry KV is to curb low-cost airline wages

The union does not have a good word to say about its competitors Lauda Europe, Buzz and Wizz Air and renews the call for an industry collective agreement. According to Vida department chairman Daniel Liebhart, the companies mentioned would continue to shamelessly exploit the “complete social deregulation in aviation”.

The trade unionist points out that, in his opinion, company structures have been created “in which the establishment of works councils can also be legally prevented, even if the employees are subject to Austrian labor law and they want to organize”. In this context, Liebhart criticizes the fact that the federal government has so far "ignored all of the union's requests for amendment of the laws by those responsible in the federal government".

An effective tool against social dumping is an industry collective agreement for flight personnel in Austria. This would mean that all airlines stationed at the Vienna-Schwechat location would be subject to the same labor law framework. "The Chamber of Commerce is still not available for negotiations on uniform, fair working conditions for flying personnel," said the Vida unionist.