Austrian Airlines and Vida Union Reach Historic Wage Increase Agreement for On-Board Staff

After a series of tough negotiations, the Vida union and Austrian Airlines (AUA) have reached an agreement on a significant wage increase for their on-board staff. According to a statement from Vida, salaries for around 2,500 flight attendants and 1,000 pilots will be gradually increased by 20 percent by 2026. Co-pilots will also receive an additional eleven percent raise.

Daniel Liebhart, Chairman of the Aviation Department in Vida, stated that this negotiated solution represents a significant increase in salaries above the inflation rate for AUA’s on-board staff. The agreement provides the company with planning security as the wage increase will be staggered over three years.

The agreement is subject to a positive vote by union members, which is expected to be a formality. In addition to the salary increase, the deal includes a peace obligation preventing operational disruptions due to strikes until 2026. This will allow travelers to book their flights with Austrian Airlines without hesitation in the coming years.

The negotiations were challenging, lasting 20 rounds since mid-January, causing work stoppages and flight cancellations leading to significant financial losses for the company. The union had initially demanded wage increases in line with Lufthansa’s parent company but management deemed it too high. Günther Ofner, head of Vienna Airport welcomed the outcome of the negotiations providing relief for both employees and customers alike.

The agreement ensures stability of operations and prevents future strikes allowing AUA to focus on its continued growth and customer service.

Depending on 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.

Overall this negotiated solution represents a significant victory for AUA’s on-board staff while also providing relief for customers who can now book their flights without any hesitation during these next few years.