A care reform has been called for for years, the health unions have announced that they will demonstrate on Thursday in Graz on the day of care. On Wednesday, the surprising announcement came that the federal government would present its reform plans – more on that in Government presents package of care measures (news.ORF.at).
Social Affairs Minister Johannes Rauch spoke on Thursday of a “billion in care” to be spent over the next two years. The biggest chunk is a salary increase for nursing staff of around 520 million euros, which is to come this year and 2023 in the form of a monthly bonus. A subsidy of 600 euros per month is planned for nursing training. Newcomers or those returning to work receive a nursing grant of at least 1,400 euros. Nursing teaching is to be introduced as a pilot project.
Requirement: Adjust personnel key
The chairwoman of the works council of Volkshilfe Steiermark, Beatrix Eiletz, is cautiously optimistic: “Now we have to wait and see what will actually be decided and implemented.” Eiletz points out that the care bonus promised last year has still not reached everyone.
According to the expert, better pay might perhaps increase interest in nursing professions in the future. The government’s plan also includes an extra week’s leave for nurses aged 43 and over. “The main focus must be on raising the staff ratio in accordance with scientific standards so that the female colleagues are also relieved of their work,” says Eiletz.
Joy also at Caritas and country
“As Caritas, we are pleased that following years of standstill, there has now been movement in the burning issue of care. Today we heard a lot of projects that make you sit up and take notice, and we see that important, long-standing concerns of ours have arrived in politics; such as making the nursing profession more attractive, recognizing the urgency of reforms and looking to the future with a view to creating comparable conditions in the federal states. These messages are promising,” says Nora Tödtling-Musenbichler from Caritas Styria in a broadcast.
The Styrian Health Minister Juliane Bogner-Strauß speaks of a good day for care: “There will be a lot in the wages of those who work in care and that is very good, because of course it is an appreciation and recognition.” Bogner-Strauß expect the reform to be implemented quickly.
Criticism from FPÖ and NEOS
Criticism of the plans comes from the FPÖ, which sees gaps in the package. For example, the training subsidy is far too small. In a first reaction, the Styrian NEOS write that it will not be enough to pour money into a broken system. There is a lack of foresight, as the measures have only been announced for two years. The Styrian Greens, on the other hand, speak of a milestone. You have to accept the steep pass from the federal government.
