International Unit Labour Cost Position Improved in 2004

In the international hierarchy of labour costs Austria ranked ninth in 2004. Hourly labour costs were most expensive in Denmark, Norway and Germany. In 2004 one hour of blue-collar labour in Austrian manufacturing cost 20.80 €, hence 2.25 percent less than the average paid in the EU. With exchange-rates stabilised, lower wage inflation and high productivity growth, the relative unit labour cost position of Austrian manufacturing has improved by approximately 20 percent since the mid-1990s. In 2004 unit labour costs decreased by 3.5 percent; Austria also gained ground over its trading partners.