If you want performance and honest work, you have to put an end to fraud systems!
Olivia Janisch, deputy chairwoman of the trade union vida, renews the demand for a mandatory state seal of approval for tamper-proof cash register and working time systems.
Anti-fraud
The aim is to protect honest companies, prevent wage theft and ensure fair competition. The Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (WKÖ) is invited to participate constructively.
Clear words on tax fraud and wage dumping
At the "Enquete for Fair Competition" at the Federal Ministry of Finance, Olivia Janisch, Deputy Chairwoman of the trade union vida, made it unmistakably clear:
"When we talk about tax fraud and wage dumping, we are not talking about petty offenses, but about financial offenses and administrative offenses that are to the detriment of all of us."stellvertretende Vorsitzende der Gewerkschaft vida
The focus is in particular on manipulable cash register systems, digital working time records and problematic structures in traffic, transport, accommodation and gastronomy.
Janisch is also reacting to recent statements by the WKÖ, according to which the union's criticism of fraudulent practices in tourism represents a "blanket condemnation". It is not about general suspicion, but about concrete grievances.
500 million euros in damage caused by bogus companies
Current figures from the Office for Fraud Prevention are particularly alarming. According to Janisch, the facts show a clear development:
The facts of the Office for Combating Fraud speak a clear language: A damage of 500 million euros by bogus companies and manipulated cash register software in the last year alone cannot be argued away.
Anyone who speaks of individual cases here misjudges the extent. Manipulation software is not a coincidence, but intentional.
"Those black sheep who make sales disappear with technical support are acting criminally and engaging in organized malversation at the expense of fair competition and the general public!"stellvertretende Vorsitzende der Gewerkschaft vida
State seal of approval for tamper-proof systems
In order to curb systematic fraud, the trade union vida is calling for a mandatory, state-certified seal of approval for cash register and working time systems.
"I assume that we do not want to have software in use in any industry in Austria that deletes sales, produces black money or falsifies working hours at the touch of a button."
Mandatory certification must ensure that manipulation becomes technically impossible.
"A certification obligation that ensures that manipulation becomes technically impossible would be a step forward for everyone. This applies above all to the correct recording of working hours."
Such a seal of approval would protect honest taxpayers and honest businesses from competitive disadvantages.
Wage theft and tax fraud: two sides of the same coin
The inquiry also dealt with complex subcontractor chains and shell companies. For vida, the connection is clear:
"Those who smuggle taxes past the state usually do so in terms of wages and social security contributions. If the work of a waitress or a truck driver is not paid correctly, this wage theft also results in a lower pension for these people."
Tax fraud therefore affects not only the budget, but also directly the employees – through lost social security contributions, lower pensions and insecure working conditions.
Concrete demands of the trade union vida
The trade union vida presents a clear package of measures:
- State seal of approval: Mandatory certification for all cash register and billing systems.
- Liability for software manufacturers: Anyone who programs software that enables manipulation must be prosecuted.
- Seamless chain adhesion: Clients must be liable for wage and social standards along the entire subcontractor chain.
- Control offensive: Sufficient staff for the complete review of the working time registration, which has been mandatory since January 2026.
This is to ensure that fraud is no longer cheaper than righteousness.
Appeal to the Chamber of Commerce
Janisch makes a clear but constructive appeal to the WKÖ:
"Withdrawing from the negotiating table only protects the fraudsters. We invite the constructive forces in the Chamber of Commerce to jointly declare war on fraud and to ensure fair competition in Austria through digital innovation."
Fraud harms honest entrepreneurs and employees. Deceit must never be cheaper than righteousness!
Fair competition needs clear rules
The inquiry at the Ministry of Finance has made it clear that tax fraud, wage dumping and manipulative software are not marginal phenomena, but structural problems in certain industries.
With a mandatory seal of approval, clear liability and consistent control, the vida trade union wants to strengthen honest companies, protect employees and ensure fair competition.
Those who demand performance must also ensure fair framework conditions.
