Order Hospitals Upper Austria: ÖGB gives strike authorization

After the employees of the Order Hospitals of Upper Austria voted with a clear majority in favour of a strike, the Austrian Trade Union Confederation has given the strike authorisation. The all-day strike will take place on Thursday, January 22, 2026, in the Upper Austrian order hospitals.

The employees are thus reacting to the still inconclusive course of the collective bargaining negotiations.

"The strike is a necessary step, because otherwise the employers apparently won't hear us," says Martina Reischenböck, negotiator for the trade union vida.
In four collective bargaining negotiations, there has so far been no offer that brings income above inflation or noticeable relief through shorter working hours.

"At the same time, it is completely clear to us that the well-being of patients has top priority, even in the event of a strike."

Emergency service agreements ensure care

In order to enable an orderly course of the strike and a structured shutdown of operations, the trade union vida called on the employers at an early stage to conclude emergency service agreements . These are agreed individually for each hospital and in consultation with the workforce.

"It is our express concern that the life and limb of the patients are not endangered at any time. The emergency service agreements ensure that inpatients continue to be cared for and emergencies can be treated at any time," Reischenböck emphasizes.

The union calls on employers to consult with all occupational groups in a timely and constructive manner about the necessary emergency service regulations. These affect not only medical areas, but also non-medical professional groups such as cleaning, kitchen, technology and administration - i.e. those areas without which no hospital operation can function.

Informing patients is the task of hospital management

As part of the emergency operation, timely rescheduling and cancellations of examinations, treatments and interventions will be necessary. The responsibility for timely and transparent information for patients and their relatives lies with the hospital management.

The trade union vida appeals to those affected for their understanding:
Workers are not striking against patients, but for better working conditions and fair wages – so that high-quality and safe health care is guaranteed in the long term. Solidarity with employees is therefore also a contribution to safeguarding the entire health system.

Strike is a fundamental right

In the run-up to the strike, employees report uncertainty and pressure from employers. The union clarifies:
Striking is allowed in Austria and is a protected fundamental right.

The trade union vida rejects attempts to intimidate employees or to prevent them from exercising this right. Anyone who bears responsibility for a health system should rely on negotiations – not on pressure.