Martha Schultz proposes reducing summer holidays to six weeks

Martha Schultz, President of the Austrian Economic Chamber (WKO), has proposed reducing summer school holidays from nine weeks to six. Schultz argues that the current length of the summer break places a significant burden on working parents, particularly mothers, who often bear the primary responsibility for childcare. She suggests that shorter holidays would improve work-life balance and ease the pressure on families to find expensive childcare or alternative arrangements during the long break.

This proposal has received support from some parent associations in Vienna, who argue that the current system is outdated and can lead to learning loss in children. However, the Austrian Ministry of Education has rejected the idea, stating that shortening summer holidays is not currently under discussion. Instead, the government's focus remains on expanding summer school programs. Teacher representatives have also expressed skepticism, citing potential issues regarding working conditions and personnel requirements.