Yesterday's 3rd round of collective bargaining negotiations between the Austrian Association of Private Hospitals and the vida trade union again failed to reach an agreement. The chief negotiator and Secretary General of the Association of Austrian Private Hospitals, Stefan Günther, regrets the stalemate in the negotiations: "We are happy to engage in goal-oriented talks in order to find the best possible solution for increases and adjustments. However, with constantly changing demands from the union of well over 5%, negotiations become destructive."
The aim of the employer representatives was to come closer to the negotiation result in the third round of negotiations. "We are endeavoring to offer an interesting package with additional time off for employees. However, after difficult negotiations and lengthy discussions about framework legislation, we are still far apart," commented Günther on the current round of collective bargaining. Günther does not accept the fact that, according to the union, employers have ten percent more public funds at their disposal as justification for excessive demands on the part of employee representatives: "Here, politicians have finally responded to the long-standing demands of private hospitals to at least partially reduce the below-average valorization of service compensation in recent years and to create fair conditions. However, the increase in the PRIKRAF pot does not mean that unrealistic demands in the collective agreement can be covered."
Lack of specific regulatory requirements
In addition, the figures presented by the private hospitals were also questioned and individual examples were discussed, where the KV negotiations should rather be about an overall result for all companies and employees. "We are being told that we are offering no more than inflation - but the CPI only serves as a basis for private hospitals. In addition to additional time off for employees, our current offer includes a pay rise of 0.3% above the CPI. Taking into account the additional time off component, this is a very attractive package for employees. However, in order to make a concrete offer, we also need a more precise idea of the framework legal requirements on the part of the employee representatives. However, these have not been clearly stated by vida," Günther calls on the union to concretize its demands.
KV negotiations for all private clinics
Günther is also irritated by the perception of the medical association representatives, who in a recent press release speak of a breakdown of the negotiations on January 30 and accuse the employer representatives of exerting one-sided influence. "Unfortunately, we did not reach an agreement in the 3rd round, but the talks were not broken off and we are still open to constructive discussions with all parties involved. It should also be emphasized once again that these are Austria-wide collective bargaining negotiations for all private clinics and not just for one group," clarifies Stephan Günther.
About the association
The Association of Austrian Private Hospitals has represented the interests of legal entities of private hospitals since 1953 and has its own collective bargaining capacity. It represents one of the main pillars of the Austrian healthcare system.
Further information can be found at www.privatkrankenanstalten.at
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Doris Lenhardt
Himmelhoch Text, PR & Event
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