No End for the Valorization of Care Allowance

The annual value adjustment of the care allowance, introduced in 2020, will continue despite the necessary budget cuts. This was stated by Social Minister Korinna Schumann (SPÖ) during a visit to nursing staff at the Hospital of the Sisters of Mercy in Vienna, accompanied by the APA, on the occasion of the upcoming Care Day on Monday. Once again, she emphasized that the heavy labor regulation planned for January 1, 2026, for nursing staff will be implemented.

Care Allowance Valorization Will Not Be Canceled

"I am very happy that the care allowance will continue to be valorized, this is very, very important," said Schumann when asked whether the expected austerity measures would also have an impact here. The care allowance is increased every year in line with the pension adjustment factor - and this is definitely to remain the case, she emphasized.

During the evening visit to the Hospital of the Sisters of Mercy in Vienna, the minister was shown around the facility during the night shift and acknowledged the dedication of the nursing staff. She emphasized that the inclusion of nursing staff in the heavy labor regulation is essential. Conversations with nursing staff revealed that many fall just short of the required shifts per month. "I can say that we will fix this, because it should not fail due to one shift," said the minister.

45 Insurance Years

Furthermore, the regulation will be reviewed as a whole. The head of the department also referred to the necessary 45 insurance years: Here it should be emphasized, "that these are not contribution years, but insurance years." To reach the necessary insurance periods for the heavy labor pension by the age of 60, insurance periods must be acquired continuously from the age of 15. However, access to the heavy labor pension is also possible after the age of 60, Schumann emphasized.

Moreover, the necessary 45 insurance years include not only periods of employment but also, for example, child-rearing periods, periods of unemployment benefits, or emergency assistance. Students in health and nursing care, as well as trainees in courses under the Health and Nursing Care Act, also acquire insurance periods, as they are compulsorily insured.

This applies, for example, to training for nursing assistants or nursing specialists. If these students start their training at the age of 15, they acquire insurance periods in the pension insurance from that point on. With a continuous insurance history, they reach the necessary 45 insurance years by the age of 60, according to Schumann's department. This also applies to career changers who, for example, started in another profession at the age of 15. Schumann also emphasized that the implementation is a "very, very long-standing wish of employee representatives and works councils, and above all, the employees."

To what extent an extension to other professions will occur, Schumann did not want to estimate for the time being. "For now, we are focusing on bringing the nursing staff into the heavy labor category. That is the most important point." However, it is agreed in the government program to "look at heavy labor as a whole."

"Heart and Empathy"

In general, the minister emphasized that "fundamental respect and recognition for nursing work" is "very, very important" - and the knowledge that "this is a highly demanding - physically and also mentally demanding - profession." Those working in nursing would do their work "with heart and empathy" - "that demands recognition."

At the same time, Schumann expressed her hope that the new regulation would attract more people who are passionate about the profession. This will be necessary, she pointed out, referring to future needs.

It is about good working conditions, and for that, sufficient staff is needed "so that people are not overburdened and do not always have to take on shifts." The compatibility of family and work is also important. "These framework conditions need to be worked on. Everyone says: If the working conditions were good, then nursing is one of the most beautiful professions," said the minister.

To meet the increasing demand for personnel in the care sector, the government has announced a "skilled labor offensive" in its program. Schumann wants to tackle this "promptly." The Red-White-Red Card system is also to be further developed - with the involvement of social partners.

There should also be simplifications in the recognition of foreign qualifications: The nostrification process is to be simplified, and further digitization of the admission process is also important. According to Schumann, the goal is to concentrate the application and processing process at the AMS.

FPÖ sees "Marketing Gimmick"

Criticism of Schumann came on Saturday from the FPÖ. Social spokesperson Dagmar Belakowitsch described the planned heavy labor regulation as "a pure marketing gimmick" of the government. The conditions for early retirement would apply to hardly anyone, and "a two-class society" would be created within the nursing staff between those who are allowed to retire early and those who are not, according to Belakowitsch.

(APA/Red)

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