Lustenau childcare manager faces investigation after workplace incident

An incident at a childcare facility in Lustenau, Austria, has triggered an investigation by the Equality Commission following a confrontation between a supervisor and a Muslim employee. The conflict began in June when an employee returned to work wearing full religious veiling.

In response to the change in attire, the facility manager, Bettina Schmalz, exposed her breasts to the employee. Schmalz described the act as a “completely insane thought” intended to demonstrate that while women have rights, they cannot simply remove their clothing as they please. She later characterized the incident as “absolute misconduct” and expressed regret, stating it should not have happened.

The employment relationship was mutually terminated, and the employee received a one-time compensation of 3,500 euros. While the employer maintains that subsequent staff reductions were due to declining birth rates and capacity issues rather than the incident, the case is being examined for potential discrimination based on religion, ethnicity, and gender, as well as sexual harassment.