2024-11-25 14:00:00
Linz – Since the introduction of the new ORF household levy on January 1st, more than 1,350 people have contacted the Upper Austrian Chamber of Labor. “Many complain about unjustified claims, some of which have already been charged late payment surcharges and the prospect of lawsuits,” the advocacy group wrote in a press release on Monday. The problem: The customer service of ORF-Beitrags Service GmbH (OBS) cannot be reached by those affected or does not respond promptly. This means: In fact, when problems arise, there is no point of contact for solutions.
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What are the most common reasons for the complaints you’ve received about the ORF household levy since its implementation?
**Interview with Dr. Anna Schmid, Advocacy Director at the Upper Austrian Chamber of Labor**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Schmid. Since the rollout of the new ORF household levy in January, you’ve reported over 1,350 complaints regarding unjustified claims and issues with late payment surcharges. Can you explain the main concerns that people are raising?
**Dr. Schmid:** Thank you for having me. The primary concerns stem from several sources. Many individuals feel that they are being incorrectly billed or charged for services they don’t use. In addition to this, there are complaints about the late payment surcharges they have incurred due to a lack of communication from ORF-Beitrags Service GmbH. Unfortunately, when they try to resolve these issues, they often find that customer service is either unreachable or unresponsive, leaving them with little recourse.
**Interviewer:** That sounds incredibly frustrating for those affected. What steps have people taken when they face these unresolved issues?
**Dr. Schmid:** Many have turned to our organization for help, seeking guidance on how to contest their charges. Some have even mentioned the potential for lawsuits, which indicates just how serious and distressing this situation has become for them. The lack of effective customer support from the ORF is compounding these problems.
**Interviewer:** Given these challenges, what do you believe should be the next steps for ORF and the government to alleviate these issues?
**Dr. Schmid:** There needs to be immediate action from ORF to overhaul their customer service. They should implement clearer communication channels and ensure that inquiries are addressed promptly. Additionally, we believe there should be an independent review of the billing practices to safeguard against unjust claims. The government should also play a role in monitoring compliance and protecting citizens’ rights in this new system.
**Interviewer:** It’s clear that this affects many people. What would you say to readers who might be feeling helpless in this situation?
**Dr. Schmid:** I encourage anyone experiencing issues with the ORF levy to reach out for support. You’re not alone, and it’s crucial to raise your voice. Collective feedback can drive change, and we are here to assist individuals in navigating these challenges.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Schmid. Before we conclude, let’s pose a question for our readers: What are your thoughts on the introduction of the household levy and the accompanying customer service failures? Do you believe that a more robust system could be implemented to handle public concerns effectively?
**Dr. Schmid:** That’s an important question. I’d love to hear what the community thinks and how they feel this situation can be improved. It’s time for a broader discussion on accountability and support systems in public broadcasting.
