Ardo social plan talks fail again as workers seek better offer

Negotiations over a social plan for 190 workers at the Ardo factory in Groß-Enzersdorf have failed for a sixth time, ORF reported on Friday. The plant, in Gänserndorf district, is due to close in summer 2027.

“The offers we have received are not worthy of a social plan,” works council representative Dietmar Breiner told ORF. The PRO-GE union, which is supporting the talks, also said it was disappointed, adding that the latest offer had been improved only minimally.

Ardo said it would continue the discussions “with commitment” and aimed to give affected employees clarity as soon as possible. The next round of talks is scheduled for November 6.

Breiner said the works council had submitted a request to establish a conciliation body because the two sides remained far apart. If talks did not soon move in the right direction, he said, the workers’ representatives would take the matter to an arbitration court.

The works council also criticised the absence of Ardo’s Belgian management, saying negotiations were being conducted by the Austrian management, which had little decision-making power and regularly consulted Belgium. Ardo said its local team had “a comprehensive negotiating mandate” and was closely coordinated with company headquarters.

A works council meeting and assembly are planned for Monday. Breiner said a rally involving farmers and other affected people would be held outside the factory on November 9.