New Season Quota Regulation Goes into Review

On Wednesday, the federal government sent the seasonal quota regulation for review. This increases the annual quotas to 5,500 seasonal jobs, with an additional 2,500 places for workers from the EU accession countries of the Western Balkans. Applications can be submitted from November 1st. This provides more "planning security" for businesses, it was said after the cabinet meeting.

More Planning Security for Tourism Businesses

"Tourism is one of the main pillars of our economy," emphasized the responsible ÖVP State Secretary Elisabeth Zehetner. Especially in the high season, seasonal workers are indispensable as they ensure quality and reduce the number of closing days. This enables more overall value creation in the regions, beyond tourism. Businesses need planning security, and this has been ensured with the seasonal quota regulation that went into review today, said Zehetner. To cover peak times, a temporary overrun margin of up to 50 percent remains possible.

Fund for Tourism Employees Endowed with 6.5 Million Euros

Labor and Social Affairs Minister Korinna Schumann (SPÖ) also expressed commitment to tourism. It is one of the "largest employers" in the country. In addition to a sufficient number of employees, "good working conditions" are also needed in this area. Therefore, a fund for tourism employees endowed with 6.5 million euros annually from budget funds will be introduced. This aims to stabilize employment relationships in tourism and improve security for employees. The goal is to reduce seasonal dependency and secure more year-round positions, said Schumann: "For us, it is important that we advocate for good quality in working conditions and thus create perspectives in tourism beyond the season."

Schellhorn emphasized that the problem had already been recognized and agreed upon during the government negotiations to act "early." This is intended to guarantee planning security for entrepreneurs. In the past, it was not only "complicated" but also "tense" towards the actual start of the season. Now, applications can be made as early as November, so that planning security can be achieved before the first of December. Schellhorn called the seasonal quotas a "big hit." Nevertheless, much remains to be done, as the cost factor of labor needs to be relieved. An hour of work in tourism is far too expensive in Austria compared to the rest of Europe.

Representatives of the industry expressed their satisfaction. The increase is urgently needed, according to the Federal Chairwoman of Tourism in the Austrian Economic Chamber (WKÖ), Susanne Kraus-Winkler, "to meet the increased demand for labor in tourism, to ensure the required quality level as a top tourism country, and at the same time to relieve the core staff." The President of the Austrian Hotel Association (ÖHV), Walter Veit, stated: "More value creation and relief in work are excellent news for companies and their employees."

Criticism from FPÖ and GPA

The FPÖ criticized the increase in the seasonal worker quota. "Austrians have no value for this 'loser traffic light' anymore; for them, it's only about bringing in foreign workers," said FPÖ social spokesperson Dagmar Belakowitsch. Ever-increasing seasonal quotas would only promote wage dumping without changing the problem.

The GPA union, on the other hand, stated that "sufficient funds for the AMS and a reform of the Red-White-Red Card" are needed. "Since the beginning of the coalition negotiations, the situation in the labor market has further deteriorated. It is necessary to subject the agreements from the government program to a reality check. With rising unemployment domestically - both in the East and West - further expansion of quotas for workers from abroad is not expedient," said GPA Chairwoman Barbara Teiber.

(APA/Red)

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.