Young Trade Unionists Demand More Rights For Apprentices and Young Employees
Leon Hartl is breathing new life into a century-old youth trade union, taking the helm with a vision for a brighter and fairer future. The 24-year-old, stepping into the role of Service Chairman of the Austrian Trade Union Youth (ÖGJ), says, “I don’t want to leave the future to chance – we have to shape it ourselves, with fair working conditions and real opportunities for everyone. I here and now I am committed to ensuring that young people are not just spectators, but rather become the creators of a better working world.”
Strengthening the Voice of Young Workers
The rise of
Hartl, a former youth trust counselor, signals a fresh chapter for the ÖGJ at their 38th Federal Youth Congress. The congress, held under the motto “Shift change! Now it’s the youth’s turn!”, focused on a crucial demand: strengthening the Youth Trust Council (JVR), the organization dedicated to democratic representation of apprentices and young employees.
The ÖGJ is calling for several changes to empower young voices in the workplace. These include abolishing the voting age for JVR elections – aiming for more inclusive participation regardless of age. They also seek to increase educational leave for JVR members from two to three weeks, making it easier to prioritize training and development.
“Especially at a time when democracy and co-determination are constantly being challenged, the rights of the JVR must be further expanded,” Hartl emphasizes, highlighting the urgency of these changes.
Investing in Skills & Futures
Beyond strengthening representation, the young trade unionists also hold firm on the importance of modernization within vocational training.
Hartl stresses, “The modernization of vocational schools and the upgrading of teaching are crucial, not only for us, but also to counteract the shortage of skilled workers.” He called on the potential future federal government, “We urge you to take the concerns of young people seriously – even after the election. Young people are only shown attention before elections, but things look different after elections. That has to change. We will observe how the federal government acts and, if necessary, take measures, so that the youth become central to the agenda.”
The congress also drew attention to the importance of investing in inter-company training (ÜBA), offering a vital pathway for those who don’t initially secure apprenticeships. Delegates urged for an increase in financial support to bring it in line with established industry standards, alongside mandatory continued employment periods for participants after their training program.
New Leadership Takes the Helm
Alongside President Hartl, the
‘Presidium‘ of the Austrian Trade Union Youth was elected. These include: Anika Kraut (GPA), Benjamin Liedlbauer (PRO-GE),
Sophie Fillafer Puerto-Rico, Fabian Edlinger (vida), Jennifer Huemer (vida), Jakob Fiala (youunion), Vanessa Dominic (youunion), Tobias Haberl (GBH), Tina phonetic (GBH), Dominikus Karl Krall (GÖD), Hanna Alijagic (GÖD), Leon Lackner (GPF) and Aysen Cakir (GPF).
How does Leon Hartl believe that the ÖGJ’s goals align with the broader movement for workers’ rights and social justice?
## Interview with Leon Hartl on Empowering Young Workers
**Interviewer:** Leon, welcome to the show. You’ve recently been elected as Service Chairman of the Austrian Trade Union Youth (ÖGJ). Congratulations! What led you to take on this leadership role?
**Leon Hartl:** Thank you. For me, this isn’t just about taking on a position, it’s about fighting for a fairer future for all young workers. I don’t want to stand idly by and see my generation struggle with insecure jobs, poor working conditions, and a lack of opportunities.
**Interviewer:** You’ve been very vocal about strengthening the voice of young workers, particularly through the Youth Trust Council (JVR). Can you tell us more about this?
**Leon Hartl:** Absolutely. We believe the JVR is crucial for ensuring young apprentices and employees have a say in their workplaces. We need to make sure their voices are heard and they have the power to advocate for their rights.
**Interviewer:**
What specific changes is the ÖGJ calling for?
**Leon Hartl:** We want to abolish the voting age for JVR elections, making it truly inclusive and representative of all young workers. We’re also pushing for increased educational leave for JVR members, allowing them more time for training and development.
**Interviewer:** Why is this especially important now, in your view?
**Leon Hartl:** We’re seeing increasing pressure on workers’ rights and a growing need for democratic participation in the workplace. Young people are particularly vulnerable and need strong representation to ensure their voices are heard. [[1]]
**Interviewer:** What’s your message to other young people who might be skeptical about joining a trade union?
**Leon Hartl:** Don’t be a spectator! We can only create a better future for ourselves if we’re actively involved. Joining the ÖGJ is about joining a community of people fighting for a fairer future. It’s about taking control of your own destiny and helping shape the world we want to live in.
**Interviewer:** Thank you so much for sharing your insights, Leon. We wish you and the ÖGJ all the best in your fight for a better future for young workers.
