2024-11-13 17:42:00
Important and groundbreaking decisions for employees were made today at the 182nd general assembly of the AK Vienna, the Vienna workers’ parliament. Under the title “Time is on my side”, Torsten Müller, senior researcher at the European trade union institute ETUI, spoke about successful models and pilot projects for reducing working hours in Europe. The agenda of the workers’ parliament also included a political report from AK President Renate Anderl, proposals from the parliamentary groups and groups and the resolution of the budget estimate for 2025.
With a large majority, the Vienna Employees’ Parliament passed a resolution for strong employee representation and called for strengthening insolvency protection due to the current situation – the insolvency of Kika/Leiner.
One of the joint proposals deals with the reduction of working hours. In their application, the Social Democratic Trade Unionists (FSG) and Together – Alternative, Independent and Green Trade Unionists (AUGE-UG) factions are calling for a withdrawal of the 12-hour day and a negotiation on a new, healthy full-time policy with the involvement of all social partners: inside and the establishment of the 38.5 hour day as the legal standard working time.
Further applications deal with investment control with teeth, a strengthening of non-profit status and quality in long-term care, an ambitious implementation of the EU supply chain law and call for measures against rent usury and an improvement in tenancy law. Demands for higher unemployment and emergency benefits as well as strict rules for internships also found majorities.
Return the economy to success, implement an employment package
At the request of the FSG, the workers’ parliament is calling for Austria’s economy to be put back on the road to success. By means of a stimulus package for investments, for example in social housing, for climate investments and modern infrastructure, as well as a reliable industrial, skilled worker and location strategy, the economy is to be stabilized, future sectors built up and the transformation shaped. A fair concept for the employment of older people is the answer of the 182nd general assembly of the AK Vienna to the demands to increase the standard retirement age. As long as people in old age are not employed, companies should be held accountable using a bonus/malus model.
At the request of the Christian Trade Union Group (FCG-ÖAAB), the general assembly of the AK Vienna calls on the federal government to take the gender aspect more into account in research, promotion and prevention and to increase investments in gender medicine. The AK General Assembly also advocates easier access to services for mental illnesses. The Perspectival List (LP) addresses the future of the railway in an application and calls for better working conditions and a well-thought-out employment policy as well as tax fairness between rail and road. Further applications argue for a better award of disability and occupational disability pensions.
Budget 2025 passed by majority
The budget for 2025 was approved by a majority of the AK General Assembly. “We continue to focus on the needs of our members. It turns out that the need for advice is high in the area of housing, for example,” says AK director Silvia Hruška-Frank. That’s why the advisory services in this area are being further strengthened; guideline rents can be checked free of charge and excessive rents can be reclaimed. Another focus in 2025 will be in the education sector. “We want to promote the training and further education of employees as well as make our contribution to the training of young people,” says Hruška-Frank.
The Vienna Workers’ Parliament consists of 180 chamber councilors. The elected representatives discussed the current political and economic situation here and voted on a total of 122 motions and resolutions. The general assembly meets twice a year.
Service: All accepted applications will soon be available at wien.arbeiterkammer.at/volltreffen.
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**Interview with Torsten Müller, Senior Researcher at the European Trade Union Institute (ETUI)**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Torsten. At the recent 182nd general assembly of the AK Vienna, you spoke about innovative models for reducing working hours across Europe. Can you summarize the key points of your presentation?
**Torsten Müller:** Thank you for having me. The core of my presentation, titled “Time is on my side,” focused on successful pilot projects that have implemented reduced working hours without sacrificing productivity or employee well-being. Numerous European countries have started rethinking traditional work models, and research shows that shorter working weeks can lead to higher job satisfaction and better work-life balance.
**Editor:** This year, Austria’s workers’ parliament discussed significant proposals regarding working hours, including a resolution to withdraw the 12-hour workday model. How important is this shift in the context of current labor market challenges?
**Torsten Müller:** It’s hugely important. The withdrawal of the 12-hour workday is a step towards ensuring that work remains sustainable, especially in light of the ongoing economic and social pressures. By establishing a 38.5-hour workweek as the legal standard, we can create a healthier work environment that values employee welfare, ultimately benefiting businesses through improved employee retention and productivity.
**Editor:** The assembly also touched on various economic proposals aimed at revitalizing Austria’s economy, including investments in social housing and infrastructure. How do these initiatives link to the broader conversation about labor rights and protections?
**Torsten Müller:** There’s a direct link. By investing in infrastructure and social housing, we create jobs and stimulate the economy, which is critical for long-term growth. Furthermore, strong employee representation and protections, especially in times of economic downturn as seen with the Kika/Leiner insolvency, are essential. It’s about building a resilient economy that prioritizes both workers’ rights and sustainable development.
**Editor:** Lastly, many proposals revolved around improving employment conditions for older workers and addressing issues like unemployment benefits. How do you see these discussions evolving in the future?
**Torsten Müller:** I believe we will see more comprehensive discussions on workplace inclusivity, especially for older workers, as demographics change. Implementing models like a bonus/malus system to incentivize companies to hire older employees could be groundbreaking. There’s a growing recognition that the labor landscape is shifting, and we need policies that reflect a more equitable, inclusive approach for all demographics.
**Editor:** Thank you, Torsten, for your insights. It certainly seems like the decisions made at the AK Vienna assembly mark an important step toward a more equitable labor market in Austria and potentially inspire similar movements across Europe.
**Torsten Müller:** Thank you! It’s crucial we keep the dialogue going to foster positive change for workers everywhere.
