When engagement becomes visible
The employees of the Order Hospitals of Upper Austria show what cohesion does – a photo strike report.
Report
On 22 January 2026, employees of the Order Hospitals of Upper Austria sent a strong signal - for better working conditions, for solidarity and appreciation of their work.
Our photo team was close to the strike day – from the first coffee in the strike headquarters to the last banner in the evening.
05:45 a.m.
The strike day begins.
Preparations are underway in the strike committee. Who is working where? Which material is needed where? What speeches are on the program? It is still quiet. But you can feel that something big is about to happen today.
07:00 a.m.
The assemblies start.
For many employees, the early shift would now begin. This time everything is different. Colleagues meet, get important information on how to behave during the strike and listen to the motivational speeches of their works councillors. You don't experience so much solidarity in one place every day.
10:00 a.m.
It's cold, very cold.
But the strikers are not letting that stop them. With whistles and posters, they make their way to Martin-Luther-Platz. There, colleagues from eight houses form a unit of solidarity.
11:00 a.m.
Heated atmosphere at minus six degrees.
The determination of around 800 employees, combative speeches and common slogans provide real goosebumps at the strike march. Through Linzer Landstraße it echoes: "Today is not a working day, today is strike day!" and "More of us is better for everyone!".
11:30 a.m.
The message goes through the country.
Radio, newspapers and television report. Works council member and vida health spokeswoman Martina Reischenböck describes in interviews the situation in the religious hospitals of Upper Austria - and why this strike is necessary.
11:45 a.m.
Showdown in front of the country house.
It is not only employers who should feel the power of the many. Politicians are also called upon to provide sufficient funding for the health sector. Together, the strikers are sending an unmistakable signal.
2:00 p.m.
The afternoon has begun.
Concerts and readings take place in the assembly halls of the hospitals. Politicians come to visit and pledge their support for the strikers. vida chairman Roman Hebenstreit travels to Wels to encourage the employees.
7:00 p.m.
The strike ends, the demands remain.
While 2,000 employees were on industrial action, all the threads came together in the strike headquarters. It was a long, gruelling day for everyone. But the operation has had an effect – and it will continue to have an effect.
To be continued – 2nd day of strike
On March 3, 2026, there was another strike. On the second day of the strike in the Order Hospitals of Upper Austria, the employees once again showed how serious they are about the relief they demand. Despite intimidation attempts, 1,700 colleagues took part in the actions.
Good reasons to become a member right now
- You strengthen the bargaining power – the more we are, the better the collective agreements.
- Legal protection and advice when things get serious.
- Co-determination in the company: You give weight to your voice.
- Continuing education and networking: Sharing knowledge, learning strategies, winning together.
- All the benefits of a large community
- Solidarity that carries – even when things get uncomfortable.
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