Austrian Metal Workers' Wages to Rise 2.1% in 2026/27, Below Inflation

Austrian metal industry employers and unions confirmed the second part of a two-year collective agreement, setting wage increases of 2.1% for collective agreement wages and 1.9% for actual wages in 2026/27. The 'rolling' inflation used as the negotiation basis was 3.3%, implying a real wage cut. This signals continued wage moderation in a key sector, potentially easing inflation pressures but dampening consumer demand.