Vienna, April 3, 2026 The Green Party has condemned recently approved higher allowances for personnel representatives in Austria’s public service, calling the move unfair amid a postponed salary increase for other public servants. The allowances were raised through a service law amendment passed by the National Council in December 2025. At the same time, a previously planned salary increase for all public sector employees was delayed. The Greens allege a quid pro quo between the government and trade unions, suggesting the higher allowances were granted in exchange for dropping broader pay raises. Education Minister Christoph Wiederkehr confirmed that allowances for personnel representatives in his sector can now reach up to 3,580 euros per month. The Ministry of Justice disclosed that one retroactive payment totaled nearly 109,000 euros, with over one million euros set to be paid out across the justice sector. No direct response from the government or unions was included in the verified facts. The criticism comes as public sector unions and political parties debate the fairness of selective financial adjustments.