2024-02-26 10:10:17
Labor shortage: enough complaining, it’s time for changes in the labor market
Vienna (OTS) – The “Kronen Zeitung” reports today that wage dumping cases are on the rise again. The AK-Burgenland calculates in the “Krone” that wage fraud amounted to a total of 1.2 billion euros in 2022. Roman Hebenstreit, chairman of the transport and services union vida, is “deeply concerned” about this. He calls for an urgent rethink in the treatment of our workforce in Austria and the entire European Union: “The constant complaints from companies about the lack of qualified workers are not only tiring, but also hypocritical, as long as these companies continue to violate the rights of employees trample underfoot. There’s enough complaining, it’s time for changes in the job market,” emphasizes the vida boss.
“People constantly complain that it is so difficult to find good employees. At the same time, people are being thoroughly exploited in the labor market. Maybe that’s why many people find it so difficult to find good people. Any company management who complains should first examine their conscience – if they have one – and look for the reasons why their company is avoided by people willing to work,” continued Hebenstreit.
We are a long way from full employment and the constant talk about staff shortages is an exaggeration that distracts from the real problems. “The real problems are wage dumping and the exploitation of young people who are desperately looking for future prospects. Youth unemployment in the EU, especially the alarming rates in countries like Spain, is evidence of the failure of politics and business to offer sustainable solutions,” criticizes the vida chairman.
The frightening cases of wage fraud in Austria, such as that of a 58-year-old Hungarian employee who was paid below the minimum wage for years, are a clear signal that immediate action is necessary, Hebenstreit refers to the report in the “Kronen Zeitung”. : “It is a shame that in a rich country like Austria people are exploited to such an extent and that over 47 million hours of overtime are not compensated. The employees are not only robbed of their wages, but also of their dignity.”
It is therefore high time for companies to take their responsibility seriously and start treating their employees fairly and with respect. The vida union is calling for an immediate end to wage dumping and exploitation. “The controls by the authorities and the labor inspectorate must be strengthened until every worker in Austria and the EU receives the respect and wages to which they are entitled.”
“At the same time, we call on companies to rethink their business practices and work towards fair treatment of all employees. It is time for the economy to recognize that its greatest resource is not capital, but that these are the people who work hard to enable companies to succeed,” concludes Hebenstreit.
Questions & Contact:
Vida/public relations union
Hansjörg Miethling
Mobil: +43 664 6145 733
E-Mail: hansjoerg.miethling@vida.at
www.vida.at
1708942237
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