The search for a worker turned into a month-long gauntlet for Graz hairdresser Ralph Thornbird. He invited 46 applicants for an interview in the past ten months, but none showed up. This is by no means an isolated case.
The search for workers becomes a real marathon in Styria. Hairdresser Ralph Thornbird, who runs a hair salon in Graz’s Sporgasse, can tell you a thing or two about that: “I’m actually looking all the time and currently working for three so I can keep the business going,” he says.
Lack of work ethic
In concrete terms, he has been looking for a 40-hour employee since October 2021. “I pay according to the collective labor agreement.” For a full-time job, that is between 1,605 and 1,810 euros gross per month (depending on years of service). “I also pay commissions from a certain turnover. Not all hairdressers do that,” he continues.
But the search so far has been more than frustrating: “Since October, I’ve arranged a total of 46 job interviews. But no candidate showed up for the appointment, the majority didn’t even bother to cancel in advance,” said Thornbird, frustrated by the lack of work ethic.
Thornbird must accept this disrespect for the majority of unwilling applicants. Only if they are mediated through the AMS can he or she also report the conduct, which will have consequences: “If a customer refuses a reasonable job assigned by the AMS or thwarts the acceptance of such job, he or she loses them. are entitled to unemployment benefits or emergency care for six weeks, or eight weeks in the event of recidivism,” says the AMS.
Short relief after months of searching
Shortly after the “Krone” met Ralph Thornbird for an interview, the good news came: A 30-hour employee — she applied on her own initiative and actually came to the interview arranged — agreed and will start in August.
“After ten months, that finally takes some pressure off,” he says. At least for the time being, because in the fall an employee goes on maternity leave: “Then the game starts all over again for me.”
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
