The GWU also proposes work-life balance measures, including more flexible work arrangements, and that the option of working 40 hours per week be spread over four days and that the employee be given an extra day off, if this is possible and there is agreement between employers and employees through the unions.
In the last budget, the government introduced a new tax rate on overtime income, namely 15% on the first 10,000 euros for employees whose annual base salary does not exceed 20,000 euros. The GWU proposes to remove the 10,000-euro cap and apply the 15% tax rate to all overtime income.
GWU also reiterates that the principle of equal pay for work of equal value should also apply to contractor employees. “While the public sector currently pays the same base wage for equal work and a double rate for Sunday work, these employees do not have the same benefits and are not entitled to all increases as public employees.”
Regarding the living wage, GWU demanded that every citizen should have an adequate income that guarantees a decent living. “We propose, first, to define what a living income is and, second, to determine the amount necessary for different types of families and individuals to live a decent life,” the GWU said.
The union also reiterated that it supports the second mechanism COLA for the most vulnerable in our society. “The GWU has already actively participated in the consultation process and submitted all its proposals. We believe that the government should implement this measure immediately, as these vulnerable groups face the most difficult situations.”
The GWU also suggested that in addition to increasing pensions, all social benefits should also be increased to allow pensioners to live with dignity.
GWU has always been in favour of the third pillar of pensions, which is the way forward. GWU proposes that this concept should automatically lead to an increase in the income of pensioners. However, this must be accompanied by the right not to participate in the system.
Regarding the proposal to strengthen education and reduce the proportion of school dropouts, GWU said, “It’s not just about tackling school dropouts and the shortage of skilled workers, but also about vocational schools being able to support the transition to an ecological and digital economy in times of demographic change.”
