Austrian industry leader proposes cutting holidays to boost competitiveness

Kari Ochsner, President of the Industriellenvereinigung (IV) Niederösterreich, has proposed reducing public holidays or increasing weekly working hours to improve Austria's international competitiveness. Ochsner argues that as an export nation, Austria lags behind international comparisons regarding annual working days, which he views as a competitive disadvantage.

The proposal has drawn sharp criticism from labor unions and political parties. The GPA union stated that competitiveness should be driven by innovation and productivity rather than increasing hours, accusing industry leaders of attempting to cut costs at the expense of employees. The FPÖ also criticized the move, labeling it an attempt to advance social reductions.

In a separate development, Margarete Kriz-Zwittkovits, the new President of the Vienna Economic Chamber (WKW), has called for allowing shops in designated tourism zones to open on Sundays to increase value creation.