While strikes are on the rise across Europe due to soaring rates of inflation, Austrian ticket inspector Martin Hofmann is checking passengers as usual. In the land of social dialogue, he has already received enviable salary increases. "In my entire career, which is almost 14 years" says the ÖBB railroad employee, "I've only been on strike for one day and two hours". The 35-year-old has been receiving 10% more pay since the beginning of December and says he is "satisfied" with the agreement, which was reached before "things really got out of hand". At the Praterstern station, which serves the famous Ferris wheel that has become the symbol of Vienna, it is rare for passengers to remain on the platform. In this prosperous country of 9 million inhabitants, with full employment, both employers and unions are willing to resolve conflicts by de-escalation beforehand. They prefer coordination and stability. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES ARRANGED IN SEQUENCES