After weeks of challenging negotiations, the Vida union and the company reached a wage increase agreement for Austrian Airlines’ (AUA) on-board staff. According to a statement from Vida, salaries of around 2,500 flight attendants and 1,000 pilots will gradually increase by 20 percent by 2026. Co-pilots will also receive an additional 11 percent salary increase.
The negotiated solution represents a significant raise above the inflation rate for AUA’s on-board staff, said Daniel Liebhart, Chairman of the Aviation Department in Vida. The agreement provides the company with planning security as the salary increase will be phased over three years.
While the agreement is subject to a positive vote by union members, which is expected to be a formality, it also includes a peace obligation that prevents operational disruptions due to strikes until 2026. This means that travelers can book their flights with Austrian Airlines without hesitation in the coming years. Depending on the fiscal year 2025 outcomes, salaries could increase by an additional two percentage points in April 2026. Workload reduction and insurance improvements for medical-related flight license loss are also part of the deal.
The negotiations were difficult and lasted for over twenty rounds since mid-January, leading to work stoppages and flight cancellations resulting in significant financial losses for the company. Initially, the union demanded wage increases in line with Lufthansa, but management deemed it too high. Annette Mann mentioned potential consequences if costs at AUA increased significantly due to higher wages.
Günther Ofner, head of Vienna Airport, welcomed the outcome of the negotiations and provided relief for both employees and customers. The agreement ensures stability of operations and prevents future strikes while allowing AUA to focus on its continued growth and customer service.