"Justice does not come for free - we fight for it."

vida chairman in video

The interview from the vida magazine

vida magazine: "On the safe side" is the title of the current issue of our vida magazine. Employees in the security department ensure our safety. How does the union ensure that they themselves can work safely?

Roman Hebenstreit: Those who ensure our security every day bear enormous responsibility – and it is precisely these people who need the best possible framework conditions for this. This starts with sound training and extends to clear legal rules. That is why we are calling for a separate Security Services Act. But security means more: predictable working hours, sufficient rest and an income from which you can live well. After all, if you are overtired or under financial pressure, you cannot do this responsible work permanently. Especially in sectors with low wages, our mission is clear: We secure purchasing power, fight for a fair share of success and make respect tangible in everyday work.

vida-Magazin: Good working conditions and fair wages are also the focus of the collective bargaining negotiations. What is vida campaigning for – and what has been achieved?

Roman Hebenstreit: In recent years, the main aim has been to prevent working people from becoming poorer. Inflation has hit many hard – which is why our goal is to at least compensate for inflation. But it is also about real improvements and justice. Where profits are made, the employees must also be involved. This is not a gift from employers – it is negotiated and fought for. This is exactly what trade union work is: keep at it, put pressure on and be stronger together than alone.

vida-Magazine: Summer is coming – high season in tourism. What is vida demanding for the employees?

Roman Hebenstreit: The employees in tourism are doing an enormous job. They are the foundation for Austria to be a successful tourism country – and often pay a high price for it. Long working hours, high workload, uncertain duty rosters and low wages are driving many out of the industry. We say clearly: It cannot go on like this. We demand real wage increases above inflation, 12 guaranteed Sundays off a year and paid breaks. It's about respect, health and whether people can do their job well in the long term. Good work needs good conditions – anything else is not fair.

vida magazine: vida celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. Why is it important to continue growing right now?

Roman Hebenstreit: The last few years have shown how important trade unions are. One crisis follows the next – and each time the question arises: Who pays? We say clearly: not the employees. Trade unions give a voice to those who are otherwise often ignored. We organize, create cohesion and build a strong community. The last few years have also shown what is possible: successful collective bargaining negotiations, fair wage increases, noticeable improvements – and with the vidaversum, real advantages that support our members, especially in difficult times. More than 132,000 members are behind vida. That gives us strength – and a clear mission. We continue to fight for fair incomes, better working conditions and a good, safe life for all. Because one thing is clear: cohesion is our strongest answer to every crisis – and will remain our strength, also in the future.