After months of quarreling, the country and unions have now agreed on improvements in the area of child education and care. A total of 38.5 million euros will be invested in 20 measures.
A good two months ago, the union was on the verge of exploding: “Now it’s tearing us up,” chanted the staff representatives in kindergartens, after-school care centers and crèches. In the dispute over better working conditions and salaries, they threatened to go on strike. The reason: The package of principles presented at the time by the state of Upper Austria was considered “not far-reaching and accurate” – we reported. The focus of the criticism was the responsible LH deputy, education officer Christine Haberlander (ÖVP). In March, they launched a “dialogue tour” through the institutions, during which they explored the needs of all those involved in the system. Nevertheless, there was constant criticism from the opposition and trade unions about Haberlander’s alleged inactivity. Long-awaited solidarity succeeded On Wednesday, all those involved stood shoulder to shoulder: “Today, the negotiations between the state of Upper Austria, the trade unions and the employers, the Upper Austrian Association of Municipalities and the Upper Austrian Association of Cities can be successfully completed,” reported Haberlander. What she calls the “Pact for the children’s area in Upper Austria” provides for 20 measures for children’s education, for which 38.5 million euros will be spent Salaries, smaller groups and less stress and bureaucracy. Specifically, from March 1, 2023, in addition to the general salary increases, there will be 250 euros per month for teachers and 150 euros for helpers. The maximum number of kindergarten groups will be gradually reduced – to 22 children from 2025/26 and to 21 from 2028/29. In addition, the approval requirement for exceeding the maximum group number will be reintroduced. Furthermore, leaders and pedagogues in crèches, kindergartens and after-school care centers will be given more preparation time in the future.
source site-12