Austrian Hospital Workers Threaten Strike Amidst Collective Bargaining Dispute

Negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement covering approximately 10,000 non-medical staff at religious hospitals in Upper Austria have stalled, raising the prospect of a strike on March 3rd. The primary point of contention remains the reduction of working hours, with the union, vida, seeking concessions from employers.

Sixth Round of Negotiations Underway

The sixth round of negotiations commenced on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at the Wels Clinic. Key participants include Carmen Breitwieser, the lead negotiator for the religious hospitals in Upper Austria, and Martina Reischenböck, representing the vida union [ORF]. Also present are personnel representatives, managing directors, works council chairmen from the eight hospitals, and a legal representative from the Upper Austrian Chamber of Labor.

Working Hours Remain Central Issue

The core of the dispute centers on working hours. While the union initially demanded a 35-hour work week, they have indicated a willingness to consider a gradual reduction to 37 hours by 2028 [ORF]. Vida argues there is insufficient movement from the employer’s side on this issue [vida].

Salary Agreement and Employer Response

Regarding salary increases, the union has expressed acceptance of the public service salary agreement, which offers a 3.3 percent increase starting July 1, 2026, characterizing it as a “crisis settlement” [ORF]. However, employers have criticized a recent employee survey conducted by vida, deeming its methodology “non-transparent” [ORF]. According to the survey, 80 percent of approximately 3,700 participating employees rejected the employer’s offers and indicated a willingness to strike again.

Union Presents Compromise

Vida has presented a compromise proposal involving a gradual reduction in working hours to 37 hours per week over three years, a model already implemented in the Austrian Social Economy Collective Agreement [vida]. Martina Reischenböck stated that the union has “taken a big step towards the employers” [vida] and [VOL.AT].

Potential Strike Action

If a resolution is not reached in Tuesday’s negotiations, vida has scheduled a strike for March 3rd [ORF]. Both negotiating parties have publicly stated their desire to find a solution at the negotiating table.