Working with skin and hair
KLIPP Works Council Chairwoman Sandra Wimmer in portrait and in the podcast.
vida Listen | Podcast
Sandra wanted to become a hairdresser as a child. While her friends continued to go to school, she decided to do an apprenticeship as a hairdresser and stylist. "I wanted to stand on my own two feet and earn my own money at an early age," Sandra looks back. She completed her first year of apprenticeship in the countryside, then moved to the big city of Vienna. Today, Sandra is salon manager at KLIPP, Austria's largest hairdressing company with 160 salons and around 1,300 employees.
"We feel that we are in very good hands with the vida trade union and have become a strong works council team with their help."
Creative minds
When Sandra opens the salon door at 9 a.m., customers are usually already standing in front of it with great anticipation. Whether it's a pixie, balayage or long bob: Sandra conjures up a wide variety of hairstyles on her heads. This requires manual skills and creative skills, but also openness and social skills. After all, hairdressers are always in contact with people. "That's what makes our everyday work so exciting and varied," says the hairdresser. Sandra's day often flies by, "with lots of new hairstyles, nice conversations and a good mood".
In the best hands
Last year there was a premiere to celebrate for the large KLIPP family. On the company's 35th anniversary, a works council was elected for the first time, and Sandra became the first works council chairwoman at KLIPP. There was and is active support from the union. "We feel that we are in very good hands at vida and have become a strong works council team with her help," says Sandra happily.
Hot Wire
As a member of the works council, Sandra always has an open ear and is on the spot as soon as the bell rings. Lately, her phone has been ringing more often when it comes to the topic of working hours or more free time. "Many colleagues no longer want to work on Saturdays. They also want to have a weekend off and spend their time with their family, their friends." This is also a topic that Sandra would like to give her vida for the next collective bargaining negotiations.
For the next generation
Speaking of calling: Sandra has already achieved an initial success with her BR team. Whereas salon managers previously had to use their private smartphones when it came to professional matters, there are now company cell phones that are used. What else does the works council member wish for? "That everything goes well in the next 35 years and that our jobs are secured." It's now closing time. Sandra closes the salon door. "Tomorrow is another good day for new hairstyles, nice conversations and a good mood," she smiles.
First Austria-wide works council at KLIPP
At the hairdresser chain KLIPP, a works council was elected for the first time in the company's 35-year history. This is an important step for almost 1,300 employees.
