Together with the GPA trade union, the Propak trade association has concluded the 2026 collective labour agreement for the paper and cardboard processing industry in Austria. The agreement brings a moderate increase in wages and salaries as well as adjustments to bonuses and apprentices' incomes.
After difficult negotiations, the social partners agreed on an increase in actual wages and salaries of 2.65 per cent, with a minimum amount of 90 euros and an upper limit of 145 euros per month. The new values will apply retroactively from 1 March 2026 for monthly payroll and from 2 March 2026 for weekly payroll.
Adjustments to allowances and apprentice income
In addition to the general pay increase, bonuses and allowances have also been adjusted. The night shift supplement will rise by 3.6 per cent to 50.32 euros per ten hours. The work experience allowance is also being increased by 3.6 per cent and now stands at 13.27 euros per week for skilled workers and 9.72 euros for other workers.
The dirt bonus remains unchanged at 7.78 euros per ten hours. At the same time, apprenticeship wages for industrial and commercial apprentices were increased by 3.8 per cent. Depending on the year of apprenticeship, these now range from around 966 euros to over 2,200 euros per month.
Standardised term and clear system
The agreement has a term of twelve months and covers both the adjustment of collective agreement wages and actual wages. At the same time, existing calculation logic, such as the conversion from a weekly to an hourly basis for normal working hours of 38 hours, remains unchanged.
The new wage and salary tables as well as all details on bonuses and classifications are available on the Propak trade association's website.
Source: Propak
