Union Pro-Ge mourns Rainer Wimmer

Rainer Wimmer, first federal chairman of the production union (pro-GE), founded in November 2009, long-time chief negotiator of many collective contracts and sponsors of the “Great Golden Medal of Honor for Services around the Republic of Austria” died yesterday at the age of 69 after a short, serious illness in his family. “We have to say goodbye to Rainer Wimmer in deep concern. Rainer was always a works council in the heart-with a great sense of people and unconditional commitment to the employees. So he has shaped the Austrian trade union movement. His combative nature and humor will be remembered. Our sympathy and sincere sympathy apply to his family,” says Reinhold Binder, Federal President of the Pro-GE.

Between 2009 and 2022, Rainer Wimmer stood as chief negotiators for employees: in the annual autumn wage round, especially in public. “His down -to -earthness, its straightforwardness and clear expression have significantly increased the interest of the public for collective contracts and wage negotiations. He has succeeded in the fact that the concerns of the workers are more heard. That was a matter close to his heart,” Binder appreciates the deceased.

Rainer Wimmer was born on August 10, 1955. Shortly after his apprenticeship in a commercial operation, the Hallstätter switched to the saltes and worked as a mine electrical engineer or miner in salt mining. At the same time, he joined the then union of the life and lifting agent workers. In 1983 Rainer Wimmer became chairman of the works council and a year later, until 2009, Central works council chairman of the Salinen Austria.

Rainer Wimmer later held several top functions in the trade union movement. Among other things, he was elected as the first federal chairman when the Pro-Ge was founded in November 2009. In 2018, Wimmer also took over the chair of the Group of Social Democratic trade unionists: inside (FSG) in the ÖGB. He retained both functions until June 2023. Immediately after his departure, the Pro-Ge appointed him honorary chairman.

In addition, Rainer Wimmer held functions in the Insurance Institute for Railway and Mining, was involved in Mayor of Hallstatt and in the international trade union work. In 2003 he was awarded the “Great Golden Honor for Services for the Republic of Austria”.

Between 1993 and 2023, Rainer Wimmer campaigned for a quarter of a century as a SPÖ member of the National Council for the working people-as one of his greatest parliamentary successes, he always saw the abolition of pension discounts after 45 years of work in autumn 2017.