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Two who stand for cohesion

28. Oktober 2025

The state chairmen of vida Burgenland and vida Vorarlberg talk about justice, trade unions and the good life for all.

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With our podcast "vidaHören" we tour across Austria. At the last stop, we meet two people who both stand for cohesion: the vida state chairmen in Burgenland and Vorarlberg, Berend Tusch and Reinhard Stemmer.

Together we can do more

When it comes to justice, Berend Tusch and Reinhard Stemmer put their heart and soul into it. Both learned early on how important cohesion is in the world of work. Berend Tusch began his career in tourism and quickly realized that fairness does not happen by itself. Reinhard Stemmer also came into contact with the union at an early age. On his first day at work at "his" ÖBB, he joined "his" vida – and is still loyal to it today: "I was convinced from the very beginning: Only together can we make a difference."

Being where the people are

Whether in the Seewinkel or in the Bregenzerwald - the worries of the people are similar. Persistent inflation in particular affects everyone. Berend Tusch and Reinhard Stemmer agree: The union must be where people work, live and need support – close, visible, reliable.

Solidarity knows no boundaries

Despite a distance of almost 700 kilometres, the two state chairmen have more in common than divides them: commitment, empathy and a clear attitude. "We get tips from each other – the East learns from the West, and vice versa," says Reinhard Stemmer. "And this shows that solidarity knows no bounds," adds Berend Tusch.

Strong voices in the company

For both state chairmen, works councils are the backbone of the world of work. That's why they stand up for her. "Where there is a works council, employees have a strong voice – and are not afraid to raise it," says Berend Tusch. Reinhard Stemmer adds: "Every new works council strengthens the network of solidarity that supports and protects employees – from Vorarlberg to Burgenland."