Austria tourism sector collective bargaining talks collapse

Collective‑bargaining negotiations for the 2026 collective agreement covering up to 240,000 workers in Austria's hotel and hospitality industry ended without an agreement. The employers' association, Wirtschaftskammer Österreich (WKÖ), presented a "final offer" that would raise the lowest wage group by 3.4 % and increase collective‑agreement minimum wages and salaries by an average of 3 %. The union vida rejected the proposal, calling it a disrespect to an already strained sector and demanding higher pay to offset inflation.

Employers argue that over the past four years wages were raised by 27.1 %—exceeding the 24.8 % inflation rate—and that the lowest wage group saw a 28.6 % increase. They note that the previous agreement, in force since May 2025, remains binding, but firms may voluntarily adopt the new terms. A members' online poll conducted by the union was dismissed by the chamber as lacking credibility due to unrestricted access and possible multiple voting. Union representatives Alois Rainer (gastronomy) and Georg Imlauer (hotellerie) urged the employers to present a negotiable offer that safeguards purchasing power.