Second strike in the religious hospitals of Upper Austria: Employees send unmistakable signal

With an all-day strike today, employees from all eight religious hospitals in Upper Austria have sent a clear signal. A total of around 1,700 non-medical employees took part in strike meetings. The high level of participation shows that the patience of the employees has been exhausted.

There had already been a first strike at the end of January. A working group set up and the sixth round of negotiations on February 24 also remained without result. There is still no substantially improved offer from the employers. Above all, the employees are demanding tangible and sustainable relief through a reduction in working hours to 37 hours per week.

"The employees carry the system – now it's the employers' turn"

For the trade union vida it is clear: Today's strike is not a symbolic act, but an expression of growing frustration and determination.

"The colleagues manage the care in the religious hospitals day after day - under enormous pressure, with a high level of responsibility and often at the limit. Anyone who demands such services must also be prepared to reward them fairly," emphasizes vida KV negotiator Martina Reischenböck.

The union has repeatedly shown willingness to find constructive solutions in the talks so far and has accommodated the employers.

"But responsibility must not be a one-way street. It is always the employee side that shows a willingness to compromise and ensures that emergency care is secured at all times, even in the event of a strike. We also expect this sense of responsibility from employers," says Reischenböck.

Planned procedures and outpatient appointments had to be postponed on March 3.

Criticism of intimidation attempts

Clear criticism comes from Gerald Mjka, head of the health department of the trade union vida. He speaks of "inappropriate and irresponsible behavior" by individual employers in the run-up to the strike.

"The colleagues are committed to better and sustainable care for patients. At the same time, some employees reported massive personal intimidation. The pressure was increased by not postponing planned operations and treatments in time. The high sense of duty of the workforce was apparently used strategically to weaken the willingness to strike," criticizes Mjka.

Broad participation at all locations

Since the early hours of the morning, works and strike meetings have taken place at all locations. Many employees emphasized that they are not taking this step lightly, but because the breaking point has long been reached.

Around 800 people took part in the public strike meeting in Linz - in addition to employees, numerous supporters from the population. Strike meetings also took place in Wels, Grieskirchen, Ried and Braunau.

The message was the same everywhere: without real movement on the part of the employers, there will be no peace.

March 12 becomes the moment of decision

The union remains willing to talk, but expects a serious offer by the next round of negotiations on March 12 .

"The employees have shown very clearly today how great the need for action is. Now it's up to employers to take responsibility. Without substantial movement, we will take further measures," Reischenböck announced.

The goal is clear: "Stable and high-quality health care in Upper Austria. But this does not come for free – it needs fair pay, relief and respect for those who secure it every day."