Chancellor Karl Nehammer (ÖVP) has intervened in the debate about the 41-hour working week. He ‘absolutely’ does not want to comply with the Industrial Association’s (IV) request for an extension of the standard work. The ÖVP of all people has recently caused confusion on this current topic.
After discussions about an extension of the statutory working hours, Nehammer spoke out clearly: “An extension of the statutory working hours is absolutely out of the question for me. In the same way, I think a 32-hour work week is completely the wrong approach.” The issue of working hours is an issue for the social partners and should remain so.
The Chancellor formulated his demands in his Austria plan: “My Austria plan provides for tax-free overtime and a full-time bonus and absolutely no change in standard working hours.”
Confusion over Edtstadler’s statement
The People’s Party of all people had recently contributed to the confusion. Constitutional and European Minister Karoline Edtstadler (ÖVP) appeared on the sidelines of a press conference on Tuesday to open up to the industry’s desire for an extension of working hours to 41 hours per week. “If we want to maintain our prosperity, we must work more, not less,” she said.
“Left-wing dreams” about reducing working hours “will not work.” “More rather than less will be needed,” said Edtstadler of the House of Industry.
In the afternoon, the Minister’s Office made it clear that it is not about increasing standard working hours for full-time workers, but about getting those who are not currently in full-time work more into work.
The industry picked up
Your host said in a broadcast on Tuesday morning: “Given the increasing shortage of work and skilled labor and the rising costs for the welfare state, it is appropriate to think about increasing the volume of work,” the Industrial Association (IV) said. She points to the example of Switzerland, where the average weekly working time for full-time employees is 42.7 hours.
According to IV Secretary General Christoph Neumayer, the “numerous public holidays” in Austria must also be addressed as a problem. Edtstadler also said that “high wages” in Austria posed a challenge. The point is not to put further pressure on the economy.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
