From November 2024, a collective agreement for the hotel and restaurant industry in Austria will come into effect, complete with adjustments aimed at protecting employees' jobs. More importantly, a minimum wage of €2,000 will be set from May 2025.
The news
News from Austria, more than good for employees in the hotel and restaurant industry, Rolling Pin reports! Under the new collective bargaining agreement, which goes into effect on Nov. 1, it will be possible to take advantage of the various readjustments aimed at improving workers' working conditions. It is permitted to serve six sharp days, provided there are consequently two free days. Those missing will be rewarded with a 50% increase of one-fifth of the normal weekly schedule. In addition, at least 12 Sundays plus one Saturday and one Monday must be exempt from the performance of duties. As for vacations, it is possible that they may coincide simultaneously with vacations, in which case you are entitled to compensation.
Those who have a temporary contract can be paid for up to 9 months, and those who are part-time must follow the same rules that apply to full-timers. In addition, for every 60 minutes of overtime, you will receive an extra back over the normal amount. Staggered supplement for those working between midnight and 6 a.m., and 'special' payments at Christmas, even after only one month of service, while the anniversary bonus can be converted into additional breaks from fatigue. Young people? They stay home after three weekends in a row spent in uniform, and apprentices who successfully pass the final exam will get 250 euros as a bonus.
Last but not least is the salary issue, already by May 2024 a 6% increase has been noted, which will be followed by another 2% at the beginning of next month. May 2025 will see a minimum of 2,000 euros, a huge achievement.
All of these changes represent an interesting and significant model compared to the current situation in Italy. Austria is making huge strides in ensuring a healthy and just environment, with a strong focus on the protection of human rights and work-life balance. Important cues to engage in critical reflection on how we can improve, our institutions should consider these examples to develop domestic policies that promote a high quality of life, thereby contributing to the evolution of a fair and affluent society.
