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Strike warning: Why are doctors planning a protest in Vienna?

Vienna hospital doctors are taking the streets in protest - in a move that many called a 'dress rehearsal' for a possible strike. Why are doctors protesting?

Published: 4 December 2023 12:13 CET
Austria is experiencing a shortage of nurses. Photo by Luis Melendez on Unsplash
Austria is experiencing a shortage of nurses and doctors. Photo by Luis Melendez on Unsplash

Hospital doctors in Vienna and representatives of other healthcare professions, such as nurses, have planned a protest march in the city centre this Monday, December 4th. 

With the motto “Without us, Vienna dies” (Ohne uns stirbt Wien), the health professionals want to call attention to their “deteriorating working conditions”, according to a press release by the doctor’s chamber Ärztekammer für Wien. The protest is seen as “dress rehearsal” for a possible strike in spring, Austrian media has reported.

“The staffing and structural understaffing of Vienna’s public hospitals is no longer sustainable. While entire departments are disappearing and staff are leaving in frustration, city politicians have consistently ignored our proposals from the 10-point plan to save Vienna’s hospitals for months.”, they wrote.

READ ALSO: Why Austria wants to speed up integration of foreigners into the workforce

The proposals include measures to make health professions more attractive, stop workers from leaving the sector altogether, improve working conditions in the Viennese hospitals, and modernise structures so doctors and nurses can have more time for patients.

The medical association also demands a 30 percent pay rise, saying that the recently presented agreements just below the ten percent mark only compensate for inflation. 

They added: “It is not enough to create new posts that are then vacant in addition to the existing ones. What we need are people who are happy to work with us in the hospitals of the City of Vienna. We need a wave of de-bureaucratization, more autonomy and department level to find suitable solutions for and with our colleagues.”

The protest rally will start in the early afternoon at Neuer Markt. It will then continue through the city centre and past the town hall. A final rally is planned at Stock-Im-Eisen-Platz at around 4.00 pm.

READ ALSO: What kind of insurance do I need to have in Austria?

Population support

The medical association said there is support among the population for the protests, citing a “Health Barometer 2023” research presented by pollster Peter Hajek.

In the survey involving 1,000 residents of Vienna, participants criticised the healthcare system and healthcare policies. A significant majority, 63 percent, felt that healthcare hadn’t improved post-pandemic. Regarding Vienna’s hospitals, 37 percent rated their condition as “Not sufficient” or “Sufficient,” with a mere 5 percent indicating a “Very good” status.

Critiques highlighted concerns about prolonged surgery waiting times and overcrowded hospital outpatient departments.

READ ALSO: Reader question: Can doctors charge a cancellation fee in Austria?

The survey revealed that an overwhelming majority believed that increased salaries for hospital staff would be justified. Additionally, there is significant support for potential strike actions, with 91 percent expressing understanding for such measures, as confirmed by Hajek.

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STRIKES

Austrian Airlines reaches wages deal with workers to avoid new strikes

After several rounds of negotiations - and strikes - Austrian Airlines and cabin crew have reached a deal on wages and benefits, contractually avoiding strikes until at least 2026.

Published: 26 April 2024 09:21 CEST
Austrian Airlines reaches wages deal with workers to avoid new strikes

Austrian Airlines (AUA) has successfully concluded negotiations with its labour unions, securing a new collective labour agreement that is set to provide long-term stability until the end of 2026, as reported by Austrian media. 

According to AUA statements, this agreement not only prevents potential service disruptions but also provides a sense of stability and reliability for both employees and passengers, ensuring a smooth and worry-free travel experience.

Following over 20 rounds of negotiations, the deal encompasses approximately 3,500 pilots and flight attendants. It brings about a significant pay increase, with average salaries projected to rise 19.4 percent in stages by the end of 2026. Moreover, a performance-based bonus of up to 2 percent could be awarded in 2026, marking a substantial improvement in the employees’ remuneration.

“This negotiated solution means a significant salary increase above the inflation rate for AUA cabin crew,” said Daniel Liebhart, Chairman of the Vida trade union Aviation Section.

BACKGROUND: Austrian Airlines strikes – Are the two sides any closer to a deal?

Beyond addressing compensation concerns, the agreement tackles workload issues, reducing workload and strengthening protections for pilots who may lose their ability to fly due to unforeseen medical conditions.

“The three-year term fulfils a requirement of the employer and not only guarantees planning security for the company but also ensures high-quality and reliable flight operations for passengers. This means that travellers can book their tickets with Austrian Airlines in the coming years without any worries,” said Liebhart.

Contract guarantees no strikes

To guarantee operational stability for passengers, the agreement incorporates a “peace obligation,” prohibiting strikes for the duration of the contract – until 2026. This is particularly welcome news for travellers who experienced flight cancellations during previous labour disputes.

“The newly established peace obligation allows our passengers to book their flights with confidence,” expressed AUA’s Executive Board, highlighting their satisfaction with the negotiated terms.

READ ALSO: What direct flights can I get from Austria’s regional airports?

The agreement is subject to a favourable vote by the Vida trade union, AUA explained in the press release. Unlike last time, however, the works council and union are recommending that their members vote in favour this time, the union said, according to a Der Standard report.

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