Hebenstreit: "Rising unemployment shows: Government must act now!"

The last government let inflation and unemployment rush through, as the current economic forecast of the WIFO for 2025 and 2026 painfully demonstrates. "Unemployment is rising, the economy is in its third year of recession and many employees no longer know how to make ends meet. Those who still rely on the old recipes have learned nothing from the past!" warns Roman Hebenstreit, chairman of the trade union vida. "The last federal government let record inflation rush through - the same mistakes must not be allowed to happen with the rise in unemployment. The new government must now take action quickly."

Labour migration needs clear rules

"Anyone who calls for a shortage of skilled workers while hundreds of thousands of people are unemployed is in fact pursuing a wage pressure policy!" criticizes Hebenstreit. In particular, the current design of the Red-White-Red Card is a gateway for low-wage migration, which not only undermines fair wages, but also makes integration more difficult. The first priority should be to qualify the people here and pay them fairly. "We need an active labour market and economic policy that trains people, secures employment and strengthens the service sector – and does not further open the way for organised wage competition," said Hebenstreit.

Economy needs stimulus, not restraint

vida criticises the fact that previous measures to stimulate the economy have had little effect. "The economy is stagnating, consumption is treading water and unemployment is rising. Now we need courageous impulses instead of austerity ideology," Hebenstreit demands. Employees' incomes in particular must rise to support the economy: "Those who rely on wage restraint in the crisis risk a downward spiral. We need investments in purchasing power, not cuts!"

Service sector more crisis-proof

"The service sector is currently much more stable than industry or construction, but is given too little attention by politicians," says Hebenstreit. The employment potential is particularly high in the areas of transport, health, tourism or social services - provided that the working conditions are right. "Those who invest here not only stabilize jobs, but also strengthen the infrastructure of daily life."

Reducing dependence on Germany

As far as the export structure in Austria is concerned, Hebenstreit calls for a rethink: "The extreme focus on Germany is now taking bitter revenge. We need broader trade relations within Europe." According to the vida chairman, countries such as Spain, Poland, the Czech Republic or France should be given greater focus in economic policy. "One-sided dependence weakens us – a diverse export strategy strengthens us. Now is the right time to initiate this realignment."

Jobs and social cohesion are at stake if the new government does not learn from the mistakes of the old one, Hebenstreit sums up. And concludes: "Now is the time for active politics - not for excuses and waiting".