Read news from:
Austria
SHARE
COPY LINK
For members

TODAY IN AUSTRIA

Today in Austria: A roundup of the latest news on Friday

Threats of strikes at Austrian Airlines, ÖBB gets more rail jets, and more news from Austria on Friday.

Published: 22 March 2024 09:50 CET
Today in Austria: A roundup of the latest news on Friday
Austria's National Council, the Parliament House of the country. (Photo by Frederic Köberl on Unsplash)

Collective agreement negotiations for Austrian Airlines onboard staff fail

The collective agreement negotiations for Austrian Airlines’ on-board staff have hit a roadblock, with talks being abruptly halted by the works council on Thursday, broadcaster ORF has reported. The looming threat of works meetings and strikes during the crucial Easter travel period adds pressure to the situation.

An AUA spokeswoman expressed hope for a swift return to the negotiating table by the works council, as negotiations were scheduled to continue on Friday. Despite the setback, the company remains open to discussions, she said.

Daniel Liebhart, Chairman of the vida aviation section, criticised AUA’s bargaining stance, demanding a transparent and fair offer. Liebhart accused the company of manipulating figures and attempting to push the workforce into a strike scenario during the Easter travel rush.

According to Liebhart, if AUA fails to make a substantial offer, works meetings, warning strikes, and full-scale strikes could loom. The works council will discuss the next course of action on Friday.

Holy Week is a crucial time for travel, and recent flight cancellations due to work meetings have disrupted travel plans. The AUA spokeswoman hoped for a resolution to avoid further disruptions during the Easter holidays.

Regarding salary increases, AUA’s proposed figures, ranging up to 18 percent on average for cockpit and cabin staff and up to 28 percent for co-pilots, were met with scepticism by vida and the works council. However, the employee representatives have not publicly articulated their specific demands.

AUA advocates for a longer contract term until the end of 2025, while the union prefers negotiations until the end of 2024. The company’s package includes significant salary hikes, profit-sharing increments, and a lengthened agreement term, aiming to address employee concerns and ensure stability in the long term.

READ ALSO: What’s open and what’s closed in Austria over Easter weekend?

How widespread is racism in Austria?

The number of racist incidents in Austria decreased last year compared to the previous year, a new study has found. But experts say many cases go unreported.

ÖBB boosts rail service with new fleet of rail jets

ÖBB (Austrian Federal Railways) has taken steps to enhance its rail service by ordering 19 additional Railjets following issues encountered last winter. The new trains, supplied by Siemens, are part of a larger order totalling 27 sets. They will gradually be integrated into service, including routes along the Brenner and Southern lines, by 2028. The recent order represents an investment of approximately 405 million euros by ÖBB.

The decision to expand the Railjet fleet comes after ÖBB faced technical challenges with the existing trains during the previous winter, particularly around Christmas 2023. The railway company is introducing modernised Railjets with enhanced features and comfort to address these issues and improve service quality.

Starting April 8, 2024, the first of these new trains will operate on routes such as Munich-Innsbruck-Bolzano, Verona-Bologna, and Munich-Innsbruck. ÖBB promises passengers a superior travel experience with upgraded amenities, including multi-adjustable seats with increased privacy, additional storage options, integrated charging stations, and improved signage for easier navigation.

The revamped Railjets also cater to diverse passenger needs, with provisions for cyclists, wheelchair users, and those seeking barrier-free travel. First Class and Business Class cabins offer premium furnishings with leather and real wood accents, while the train restaurant provides a comfortable space for dining and relaxation.

Tanja Kienegger, CEO of Siemens Mobility Austria, underscored the local economic benefits of the project, highlighting the high value generated in Austria through innovation and manufacturing processes.

With speeds of up to 230 km/h, the new Railjet fleet ensures efficient and comfortable travel. It boasts a total capacity of 532 seats across various classes. Passengers can enjoy improved connectivity with mobile phone-permeable window panes and complimentary onboard Wi-Fi, further enhancing the overall travel experience offered by ÖBB.

READ ALSO: Every 18-year-old in Austria to get free KlimaTicket

Record number of deportations in Austria in 2023

In a press conference held jointly with the Federal Office for Immigration and Asylum, Interior Minister Gerhard Karner (ÖVP) declared 2023 as “the year of deportations,” revealing a record figure of 12,900 individuals leaving the country. Of these, 54 percent departed voluntarily, while the rest were forcibly deported, the daily Der Standard reported.

Most deportees hailed from various European countries, with significant numbers from Slovakia, Hungary, and Romania. Notably, Slovakian nationals constituted 1,380 of the 5,990 individuals subjected to forced removal. Under EU law, EU citizens can only be deported if a court deems them a public order or security threat.

Karner underscored that 45 percent of all deportees had prior criminal convictions, emphasising the government’s commitment to removing individuals who pose a risk to public safety. Efforts have mainly targeted those involved in organised crime, including drug-related offences and illegal employment.

According to Karner, Austria’s increased focus on deportation has made the country less attractive for human smugglers, aided by strengthened border controls and 30 repatriation agreements with other nations, including recent accords with Bulgaria and Romania.

Karner also expressed intentions to expand deportation efforts for individuals from Syria and Afghanistan, aiming to return them to safe regions such as around Damascus or away from Taliban-controlled areas.

Austria received approximately 60,000 asylum applications in 2023, with 14,748 individuals granted asylum and around 24,000 applications rejected. Additionally, over 30,000 cases were withdrawn, primarily involving transit migrants apprehended by police and subsequently applying for asylum to avoid immediate repatriation before moving on.

READ ALSO: Austrian extremist met with German far-right party to discuss ‘mass deportation of immigrants’

National Council rejects proposal to lower age of criminal responsibility

A motion to lower the age of criminal responsibility to twelve years old was defeated in the National Council session that concluded on Thursday evening. The proposal, put forward by the Freedom Party, failed to garner enough support, with no other party backing the initiative, Die Presse reported.

The voting process, conducted by roll call as requested by the Freedom Party, revealed that only 20 out of 30 FPÖ MPs participated. This led to speculation that the party’s parliamentary group leader, Herbert Kickl, lacked full support from within the party.

In a subsequent debate, the FPÖ attempted to push forward a non-binding resolution with similar content but found itself isolated again. Only eight FP MPs voted in favour of the resolution.

The FPÖ justified its proposal by citing the gravity of crimes such as robbery, murder, and rape, stressing the need for society to respond appropriately. Justice spokesperson Harald Stefan emphasised the importance of addressing such crimes without looking the other way. Secretary General Michael Schnedlitz attributed these acts to young people, whom he claimed had entered the country during the refugee wave in 2015, stating, “Anyone old enough to commit murder and rape is old enough to be held accountable.”

While the ÖVP had previously considered lowering the age of criminal responsibility, Justice spokesperson Michaela Steinacker criticised the FPÖ’s proposal as simplistic and one-sided. Steinacker highlighted the importance of consulting experts and considering accompanying measures if such a change were to be made.

If you have any questions about life in Austria, ideas for articles or news tips for The Local, please get in touch with us at [email protected] or leave a comment below.

Member comments

Log in here to leave a comment.
Become a Member to leave a comment.
For members

TODAY IN AUSTRIA

Today in Austria: A roundup of the latest news on Friday

Austria on the podium for high taxes; Austria's human rights record criticised, poverty on the rise and more news from Austria on Friday.

Published: 26 April 2024 08:01 CEST
Today in Austria: A roundup of the latest news on Friday

Austrian Airlines and workers reach deal averting strikes

Austrian Airlines (AUA) and its unions have reached a new collective labour agreement, avoiding further disruptions for passengers. The deal, reached after extensive negotiations, covers roughly 3,500 pilots and flight attendants and extends until the end of 2026.

The agreement includes a significant pay raise, with salaries increasing an average of 19.4 percent in stages by the end of 2026. Based on company performance, an additional 2 percent raise is also possible in 2026.

The deal also addresses workload concerns and offers improved protection for pilots at risk of losing their licenses due to medical reasons.

“This agreement delivers a substantial salary increase above inflation for AUA cabin crew,” said Daniel Liebhart, head of the aviation division for the vida union.

To ensure stability, both sides have agreed to a “peace obligation,” meaning no strikes will occur until the contract expires in late 2026. “With the first-ever peace obligation, our passengers can once again rely on us,” said AUA’s Executive Board, expressing satisfaction with the outcome.

Austria is the third country with the highest tax burden in the OECD

Austria remains saddled with the third-highest tax and contribution burden among OECD countries, according to the latest “Taxing Wages” study.

The “tax wedge,” which measures the gap between an employer’s labour cost and an employee’s take-home pay after taxes and contributions, is 47.2 percent in Austria for an average single worker. This is significantly higher than the OECD average of 34.8 percent.

While the wedge has risen slightly from 2022 (46.9%), the picture has improved somewhat for families. Austria ranks 11th for married couples with two children on one income (32.8% tax wedge), which is still well above the OECD average (25.7%).

Can I get unemployment benefits in Austria if I’m self-employed?

If you work in Austria as a freelancer or self-employed person, it may be confusing to understand your rights, especially when it comes to unemployment benefits.

Amnesty International calls for action on Human Rights in Austria

Amnesty International (AI) slammed Austria’s human rights record in its annual report. The organisation identified shortcomings in protecting women, supporting refugees, and ensuring press freedom.

AI Austria head Shoura Hashemi called the upcoming election a “fateful year” and urged parties to focus on human rights. The report criticises Austria’s “porous social safety net” and lack of support for refugees and Ukrainians.

AI fears unaccompanied children disappear due to inadequate care. It also demands a national plan to tackle violence against women and calls for measures to protect journalists.

The report criticises police actions at protests and the banning of a pro-Palestine demonstration. It also highlights a rise in hate crimes and insufficient climate action. Finally, AI raises concerns about conditions in detention centres.

Social Democrats maintain a stronghold in the Chamber of Labour elections

Austria’s workers representation body, the Chamber of Labour (AK), which helps almost four million employed people in the country, is going through a major election process for their state representatives. Almost all employees in Austria who are not self-employed are automatically members of the AK and therefore entitled to vote. The elections take place every five years in a process similar to the voting for National Council.

The results of the Chamber of Labour (AK) elections in the eastern region confirm the Social Democratic trade unionists (FSG) as the leading force. Despite this victory, President Renate Anderl faced a setback, as her list in Vienna decreased by 3.2 percentage points.

While the FSG experienced moderate losses in Burgenland, they extended their lead in Lower Austria. The outcome in Vienna is particularly significant, as the winner typically assumes the presidency of the Federal Chamber of Labour.

Although the FSG lost some ground, they remained dominant with 57.5 percent of the vote. The liberal Labour Party secured second place despite a slight drop, while the Christian Trade Unionists and other rival groups experienced losses.

Left-leaning factions saw gains, possibly foreshadowing trends for the upcoming National Council elections. The voter turnout in Vienna was 40 percent, with concerns raised about engaging diverse communities and first-time voters.

FSG national chairman Josef Muchitsch hailed the results as a success, emphasising the need to educate employees about policies detrimental to workers. In Lower Austria, the FSG strengthened their majority under President Markus Wieser.

The FSG maintained a two-thirds majority in Burgenland, although support slightly declined. The elections in Styria are ongoing until April 29th, completing the Chamber of Labour elections nationwide.

Absolute poverty increased in Austria

While Austria’s overall poverty rate remained steady in 2023, the number of people living in absolute poverty has increased significantly, according to Statistics Austria.

Despite the proportion of people at risk of poverty or exclusion staying around 17.7 percent, those facing severe deprivation rose.

The most concerning rise is among children and adolescents. This has reignited calls for a basic child benefit scheme to address the issue.

Statistics show a jump from 201,000 people (2.3 percent) in 2022 to 336,000 (3.7 percent) in 2023 who could not afford basic necessities like unexpected expenses or an annual holiday.

Two cases of underage crime hit the news in Austria

Five teenage girls face charges after allegedly robbing four young tourists on vacation in Vienna. The victims, two girls and two boys aged 15 and 16 from Upper Austria were staying in a rented holiday flat. When they arrived, they discovered they needed someone over 20 to sign the rental agreement. They arranged for someone to come through an acquaintance, but instead, a group of girls aged 16 to 20 showed up. The girls allegedly threatened the tourists with a toy gun, kicked them, and stole their valuables before fleeing. 

Vienna police quickly apprehended the suspects, who include a 16-year-old Serbian national, a 17-year-old German, an 18-year-old of unknown nationality, a 19-year-old Hungarian, and a 20-year-old Romanian. All have confessed to the robbery.

A 14-year-old boy faces charges after allegedly threatening a group of children in Puchenau with a knife. The incident occurred on Wednesday evening when the suspect, along with another teenager, reportedly threatened four eight-year-old children. One child was pushed and suffered minor injuries. Police were called the following evening and located the four victims. The suspect and his companion initially fled, but officers were able to apprehend them soon after. 

The majority of school pupils want a revamp of the Matura exam

Over 41,000 Austrian school pupils face their Matura exams next week, with a new survey revealing mixed feelings. While 60 percent are confident of passing with good preparation, 70 percent believe the current Matura format needs an update.

The biggest worry for students is the Maths exam, with half dreading it. Many respondents (56 percent) want a more spread-out exam schedule, and some even propose reducing the number of subjects or making Maths optional.

Despite the stress, 82 percent found the pre-scientific paper (VWA) a valuable learning experience. However, nearly 90 percent consider it a major source of stress, with some students turning to AI tools like ChatGPT for help. This practice is disapproved of by 40 percent of respondents.

The survey also highlights a gap between school and real life, with only 40 percent feeling prepared and 75 percent expecting to forget most of the crammed information. Many students believe schools should focus more on practical skills and everyday knowledge.

If you have any questions about life in Austria, ideas for articles, or news tips for The Local, you can contact us at [email protected] or leave a comment below.

SHOW COMMENTS