Social economy in turmoil: Big protest rally planned in Vienna!

Social economy in turmoil: Big protest rally planned in Vienna!

In Vienna, employees in the social economy are facing an important turning point: on Thursday, the collective bargaining negotiations, which were already interrupted in the second round on October 13th, will continue. A central point of the discussions is the required wage increase of 4% for the approximately 130,000 employees in the health, social and care sectors. The current proposal from employers, which offers a wage increase of just 2.5% over two years, is criticized by GPA chief negotiator Eva Scherz as “not to be taken seriously”. These discussions are not just a question of payment, but also concern improving working conditions, particularly for part-time workers.

Today, November 25, 2025, the GPA and vida unions are organizing a day of protest in Vienna, which will culminate in a rally in which up to 2,000 participants are expected. The demonstration starts at 12.30 p.m. at Parliament, leads to an interim rally at City Hall and ends at Human Rights Square. Many employees have already held company meetings and partially or completely closed some facilities to draw attention to pressing concerns.

Urgency of the wage increase

The situation is tense and employers are calling for unity while at the same time pointing out the existing framework conditions. Scherz and the unions have clearly emphasized the need to improve not only wages but also working conditions. Especially at a time when cuts in many federal states are endangering the security of care, the unions are vehemently opposed to the abolition of the 15th salary for nursing staff in Salzburg. The employers, especially the SWÖ, are warning of a dramatic situation in the social infrastructure and are calling on politicians to live up to their responsibilities.

• Forderungen der Gewerkschaften:
• 4% Lohnerhöhung
• Verbesserung der Arbeitsbedingungen
• Stabilität bei Dienstplänen
• Zusätzliche Urlaubswoche

Negotiations in the social economy are not only important for workers, but also have an impact on society as a whole. Given the forecast that Austria will need more than 75,000 new nursing staff by 2030, increasing the attractiveness of professions in this sector is essential. Scherz has also raised the possibility of strike resolutions and further rallies, and it remains to be seen whether the employers' side will move towards a position that is capable of negotiation.

Sustainable solutions for the industry

Further challenging negotiations await employees in the social economy. The talks will continue at the ÖGB headquarters on Thursday, although a conclusion seems unlikely at this point. The employees have already announced that they will use various actions to draw attention to their difficult situation and the need for change. The industry's concerns are clear and time is of the essence.

The future of the social economy in Austria depends not only on clarification of current wage issues, but also on the ability of everyone involved to find constructive solutions. A strong and social system needs motivated and well-paid employees - this is what the collective agreement negotiations focus on!

You can find out more about these developments in the reports from Pulse24, Small newspaper and Work & Economy.