The push to extend standard working hours came from the Industrial Association and naturally met with little approval from the Social Democrats. Above all, the Reds found support for this from the ÖVP, but this was denied by Chancellor Karl Nehammer (“It’s definitely out of the question for me”).
However, the Reds don’t want to believe that – and are therefore starting a petition: The ÖVP is of the opinion that Austrians work too little, said Federal Managing Director Klaus Seltenheim in a press release: “While in other countries the trend is towards reducing working hours, The ÖVP proposes to increase the statutory working hours in Austria to 41 hours a week – without wage compensation.” This is a frontal attack on the rights of workers.
“Strong sign of solidarity”
“May 1st is our holiday on which we honor the achievements for the employees,” said Josef Muchitsch, federal chairman of the Social Democratic Trade Union Group (FSG), in the spirit of tomorrow’s Labor Day. In view of the growing attacks on the rights of employees, it is important “that we send a strong signal of solidarity together.”
On behalf of the Christian trade unionists, FCG federal chairwoman and ÖGB vice-president Romana Deckenbacher expressed her thanks to the employees in the run-up to May 1st. They are the “backbone of our society and our prosperity”. On this day we look back on the achievements “that we have achieved as a labor movement and social partners”.
