Order Hospitals Upper Austria: Also in 6. No movement in the collective bargaining round – vida prepares strike on 3 March

The sixth round of negotiations on the collective agreement for the Order Hospitals of Upper Austria did not bring a breakthrough either. The employers did not present a new offer and continued to show no willingness to approach the employees on the central question of a binding reduction in working hours.

For the trade union vida, it is clear: without real relief, there will be no sustainable improvement in working conditions. Preparations for the announced strike on March 3 are therefore continuing. The next hearing is scheduled for March 12.

Reduction of working hours remains a sticking point

The union has made concessions to the employers several times in recent rounds and has recently even presented its own compromise offer.

"To date, the employers are not even in a position to present their own counter-offer for the reduction of working hours. Instead of looking for solutions, they wall themselves in to their position," Reischenböck continued.

Despite the deadlock, the vida negotiating team remains ready to talk:
"If the employers finally show serious interest in a solution, we are of course ready for further talks. This requires real proposals instead of empty words."

Political responsibility of the Province of Upper Austria

Developments are increasingly showing that a viable solution will hardly be possible without the province of Upper Austria. The state plays a major role in financing the order's hospitals and thus shares responsibility.

"Political responsibility has too often remained in the background so far. But the problem is a political one - and one in the public interest of the entire Upper Austrian population."

In particular, Health Minister LH-Stv.in Christine Haberlander should no longer hold back. Around 80 percent of the employees in the order's hospitals are women.

"Anyone who publicly commits to employee and women's issues must also act. It is about concrete relief in the health professions," Reischenböck emphasizes.

Occupational therapist and works council member Eva-Maria Meindlhumer also makes a direct appeal to state politicians:

"Ms. Haberlander: If you want the people in our state to be well cared for in the future, then come to us now. The well-being of the patients should also be close to your heart."

Strike on 3 March – security of supply remains a priority

Strike preparations have been underway since last week. The early announcement was deliberately made with a view to patients and the necessary predictability in hospitals.

As with previous industrial action, the union is offering employers an orderly shutdown of operations on the basis of a joint agreement in order to ensure security of supply in the best possible way.

Now employers and politicians are called upon to take responsibility. The employees have long since proven their good will.