Austria: Union pushes for six weeks of paid annual leave

The Austrian Trade Union Federation (ÖGB) has launched an initiative calling for six weeks of paid annual leave for all employees. An online campaign supporting the move reached over 20,000 signatures faster than anticipated.

Currently, Austrian law guarantees a minimum of five weeks of annual leave, a standard in place since 1983. While a sixth week is possible, it is typically only granted to workers with 25 years of recognized service. The ÖGB argues this requirement is increasingly difficult to meet due to frequent job changes in the modern workforce.

The union contends that increased business pressure and work intensity necessitate more rest to protect worker health and facilitate work-life balance. They suggest that the benefits of increased productivity resulting from technological and economic progress should be shared with employees through more time for recovery and family.