Karl Dürtscher, the federal managing director and chief negotiator for the Austrian Union of Salaried Employees (GPA), has passed away after a serious illness at the age of 64. Dürtscher, who had been with the GPA since 1985 and served as its managing director since 2018, was a pivotal figure in Austrian labor relations, having negotiated over 170 collective agreements, including those for the metal and electronics industries.

Barbara Teiber, the chairwoman of the GPA, paid tribute to Dürtscher, describing him as a dear friend, experienced colleague, and upright trade unionist. 'The Austrian social partnership loses a reliable and binding negotiator who has shaped it for years,' Teiber said. Dürtscher's work, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, where he negotiated agreements on short-time work, had a lasting impact on the working lives of many Austrians.

Beyond his role in collective bargaining, Dürtscher was active in various self-governing bodies within the social security system, including positions at the Vienna Regional Health Insurance Fund and the Pension Insurance Institution. His commitment to labor rights and social partnership was unwavering until the end, as noted in the GPA's press release announcing his death.

Rainer Trefelik, the trade division chairman of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (WKÖ), also expressed his deep sorrow over Dürtscher's passing, recalling him as a reliable partner with a handshake quality. 'He was tough in negotiations, but what was agreed upon held,' Trefelik remarked, highlighting the respect and reliability that characterized their collaboration. Dürtscher's death leaves a significant void both professionally and personally, Trefelik added, extending his condolences to Dürtscher's family and the GPA on behalf of the federal trade division.