Thousands of pensioners earn a few extra euros in addition to their pension, often voluntarily. But the state is also diligently collecting from the very capable older workers, but there is resistance.
Whether in the public sector or the private sector, the search for skilled and willing personnel is becoming increasingly difficult in this country. That is why HR departments are increasingly focusing on fit young retirees and the interest from both sides is often high. In times of inflation and the like, a possible comeback to the labor market is often a win-win situation. This also applies to four protagonists of the generation not yet retired: Gertraud Baumann, Sepp Köhl (65), Harald Hofbauer (67) and Erich Novotni (66) show how work can also provide satisfaction in old age.
“Moving doesn’t hurt, it’s good for me”
This is how Köhl earns his extra income for his pension at the Sailer bakery in Mauerkirchen (Upper Austria). He worked shifts for 34 years and still gets up at 4 a.m., drives to hospitals, retirement homes and supermarkets and delivers bread, rolls and sandwiches: “Exercise doesn’t hurt. That’s good for me, and people are happy with the fresh rolls. The only annoying thing is that the money goes to financing for two months of work,” says Köhl. Hofbauer, a civil engineer in Vienna, and janitor Novotni from Lower Austria feel the same way, but also admit that despite the drop in salary, they would not like to quit. “But please, only fit seniors are allowed to go to work. There is a reason why there is a pension,” says Hofbauer. Incidentally, Gertraud Baumann, the cheerful carer at the Nonntal retirement home in Salzburg, also feels fit enough: “I retired five years ago. Then the magistrate contacted me because they didn’t have enough people. So I jumped right in. Now I work five days a month. That was definitely my best decision.”
Senior Association: ‘Skills are insufficiently appreciated’
But since – despite all the love for exercise and fresh air – the money in the wallet also counts, the high representatives in the state are now of course campaigning for a stronger attractiveness of the “sideline activity”. ÖVP politician Ingrid Korosec is combative: “Even though the elderly are available as experts, their knowledge and skills are insufficiently utilized and valued. Of the additional income of 1000 euros, only about 400 euros remain after tax. The pension, on the other hand, is only increased by a few euros per month. It is a bad exchange for those affected,” criticizes senior manager Korosec.
Above all, the abolition of excessive pension contributions for working seniors should be implemented as a first step. There is already a lot of support for this from all sides. Another step to sustainably prevent the major pension shock in the country.
In the interview with “Krone”, Ingrid Korosec explains why the abolition of pension contributions for seniors is a win-win situation.
“crown”: Who wants to work after retirement?
Ingrid Korosec: In 2021, there were 88,000 retirees at work. Whether as a side income for a low pension or for the pleasure of passing on knowledge, society and the economy benefit equally. An acute shortage of skilled labor is faced by an expert pool of retirees willing to work. We need to create incentives so that working after retirement remains worthwhile.
Why would abolishing pension contributions be such a big incentive?
Up to 22.8 percent pension contributions for work after retirement scare many. Understandable, because they significantly reduce the extra income. The abolition gives retirees about a quarter more of the extra income, the economy of skilled workers and the state’s tax revenue. So a win-win situation. From Secretary of the Treasury Magnus Brunner, I have broad political and business support for my demand.
is that fair
Yes, it’s fair to everyone. Retirees are not preferred here, but one disadvantage is removed. Retired professionals are especially needed for positions that do not require skilled workers. The accusation of taking jobs from boys is therefore completely irrelevant. On the contrary, older people can pass on their knowledge to younger people: the former part-time head of department supports his successor, or the retired nurse helps colleagues a few days a month.
Can it really work that easily?
The big magic word is flexibility – both in the labor market and in retirement.
Source: Krone
I’m Ben Stock, a journalist and author at Today Times Live. I specialize in economic news and have been working in the news industry for over five years. My experience spans from local journalism to international business reporting. In my career I’ve had the opportunity to interview some of the world’s leading economists and financial experts, giving me an insight into global trends that is unique among journalists.
