"Inclusion is our common mission"
Why the work of disability representatives is indispensable. Horst Benigni gives an insight into the ÖBB's corporate representation for the disabled.
vida Listen | Podcast
A few years ago, a phone call led Horst Benigni to change the life of a colleague at ÖBB Infrastruktur AG – and his own at the same time. Today, he fights for inclusion and the rights of people with disabilities and chronic illnesses throughout the ÖBB Group. What drives the chairman of the ÖBB Group Disability Representative, what barriers exist and what changes are possible - Horst Benigni talks about this in the new episode of the podcast "vidaHören".
"Disability is part of life. Each and every one of us can be affected ourselves. That's why inclusion is not a project for others, but a common task for all of us!"
A call that changes everything
When Horst Benigni takes a call, he initially believes it is a routine request: a short consultation about a supposedly minor accident at work. But at the end of the conversation, he learns of a serious incident that changed the life of a colleague forever – and almost went unnoticed. This moment becomes a turning point for Horst Benigni. "That's when I realized: I want to change something here." Today, Horst Benigni is chairman of the disability representation in the entire ÖBB Group - and thus an important voice for all those who are still far too often not heard or not seen in everyday work.
Breaking down barriers, creating opportunities
When Horst Benigni talks about the situation of people with disabilities in the world of work in Austria, he covers a wide range: On the one hand, there has been progress – such as legal protection, work assistance and the increasing awareness of inclusion. On the other hand, barriers persist. People with disabilities are still affected by higher unemployment, confronted with prejudice – and the current budget cuts are also hitting people with disabilities massively.
Where inclusion is on track
In the country's largest mobility company, the Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB), inclusion is more than just a buzzword. "With the Inclusion and Diversity Solution Center, ÖBB is committed to a respectful and open working culture with equal opportunities for all employees," says Horst Benigni. With active recruiting measures and a Group-wide network for employees with disabilities, ÖBB is showing that diversity is part of its self-image. And yet the Group is facing challenges: an aging workforce, structural barriers in grown structures, digital hurdles and an organization that is large and complex. This is precisely why people like Horst Benigni are needed, who are persistent, well-connected and willing to address even uncomfortable issues.
What disability representatives do
Many people are familiar with the works council. But the work of disability representatives is unknown in some places. Yet it is indispensable – especially in a large corporation like ÖBB. While the works council is the central contact person for all employees, the disability representative specialises in people with disabilities and chronic illnesses. This means that it is often the only authority that quickly offers orientation in difficult situations.
Listening, supporting, fighting
Horst Benigni is an exempt disability representative and works full-time in his function for inclusion in the ÖBB Group. He has many conversations, answers questions and tries to find a suitable solution for every problem. He works closely with the trade union vida. "vida's legal department is our strongest partner when it comes to labor law and social law," emphasizes Horst Benigni.
What needs to change for people with disabilities in the world of work? Horst Benigni formulates his wishes very clearly:
- More visibility and normality in dealing with disabilities
- Better financing of legal measures
- Politics that does not cut, but strengthens
- Economy that sees inclusion as an opportunity
- Affected persons who are actively involved in decisions
- Accessibility is standard – not the exception – and is considered and lived from the very beginning
Horst Benigni encourages people to get involved in an inclusive and barrier-free working world and society: "Disability affects us all and is part of life. Each and every one of us can be affected by disability ourselves. That's why inclusion is not a project for others, but a common task for all of us!"
