Because justice is not a coincidence
She works in hospitals, negotiates collective agreements and fights for better working conditions. Martina Reischenböck knows: Solidarity is the strongest force.
vida Listen | Podcast
Justice does not fall from the sky – you have to stand up for it. On a cold day in January 2026, hundreds of employees of the Upper Austrian religious hospitals took to the streets. For Martina Reischenböck it was clear: It's about more than numbers. It's about time, relief and a reduction in working hours that protects the health of those who are there for others every day. In the podcast "vidaHören", Martina Reischenböck talks about her everyday work as a works council member at the Barmherzige Schwestern Ried hospital and her work as a collective agreement negotiator for the trade union vida.
From "never" to vocation
Actually, Martina Reischenböck never wanted to go into nursing. "Are you crazy?" she thought when schoolmates wanted to become nurses. "It's a job that's so challenging!" After all, she ended up in the operating room of the Barmherzige Schwestern Hospital in Ried – and found her calling there. The work is fulfilling – and demanding. "We accompany people in exceptional situations. Day after day, you can see how vulnerable we are as human beings." At the same time, there is the beautiful thing: being there for others, having conversations, giving support.
Between Burden and Compassion
In recent years, everyday working life has changed a lot: More bureaucracy, more pressure, more patients – but less time. "What used to take several days now often happens in a single day," reports Martina. Everyone feels that – physically and mentally. This is where her work as a works council member begins. The concerns of her colleagues are as diverse as the hospital itself. "There is actually nothing you can't come to us with," says the BR chairwoman. What drives her and her BR team? "When someone says: Thank you for helping me – that's the best thing."
When solidarity gives you goosebumps
A special highlight for Martina Reischenböck was the strike on January 22, 2026 - when "nothing went on" in the collective bargaining negotiations before that. The day was preceded by a sleepless night - with doubt. "Will enough participate?" And then the "beautiful awakening": colleagues from various religious hospitals march together in Linz and stand shoulder to shoulder. "So many people working together for better working conditions – that still gives me goosebumps today."
Why it's worth getting up
On March 3, 2026, they will take to the streets again - on the 2nd day of the strike. Some ask themselves: Will this achieve anything at all? Martina Reischenböck's answer is clear: "There is no alternative." You may be able to achieve something for yourself on your own – but not for everyone. "In this day and age, you have to fight together." The works council member does not fight for her own sake. She fights because it is necessary. Because justice is not a sure-fire success. And because solidarity is felt when people stand up together.
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