90 million euros

How competent help protects against empty wallets

If justified financial claims are not paid out, your wallet will quickly run dry.

(Bild: Karl Schöndorfer)

Problems with severance payments or claims following insolvency are on the increase - and if the worst comes to the worst, your wallet will soon be empty. However, the balance sheet of the Chamber of Labor proves that it is worthwhile for those affected to seek advice and help from the experts at the Chamber of Labor.

The Chamber of Labor's (AKNÖ) labor and social law experts certainly didn't get bored last year. The increase in large company bankruptcies was particularly noticeable.

Rapid assistance
After the Kika/Leiner insolvency, for example, employees' claims had to be reported to the insolvency compensation fund. "We managed this in ten days, after which the money due to those affected was quickly transferred," explains Karl Heigl, head of the responsible department at AKNÖ.

There is so much to consider when it comes to claims following insolvency. It is almost impossible for those affected to cope without help.

Karl Heigl, Leiter der Abteilung  für Arbeits- und Sozialrecht der AKNÖ

Huge increase in the number of people affected
In addition to this sensational case, there were also several bankruptcies of larger companies with over 100 employees. Heigl: "Last year, we represented almost 7900 employees whose companies had become insolvent." This means that their number has doubled compared to 2022.

Rejection of a reduction in non-wage labor costs
In this context, Markus Wieser, President of AKNÖ, criticizes calls for a reduction in non-wage labor costs. "This is how important social achievements are financed," says Wieser, who mentions the insolvency compensation fund, unemployment benefits and 13th and 14th salaries, for example

For us as an employee interest group, it is clear that a welfare state financed on the basis of solidarity is more important than ever. And this means that everyone must make a fair contribution.

Markus Wieser, Präsident der AKNÖ

Drastic case
There are increasing problems with severance payments when employment contracts are terminated. The lawyers at the Chamber of Labor in the Weinviertel region took on a particularly drastic case. There, an employee was dismissed after 23 years of employment and her severance pay was withheld in full. The AKNÖ won 57,000 euros for the woman.

More than 150,000 people seeking advice
In total, the experts at the Chamber of Labor secured 90.1 million euros for 156,100 employees who sought advice from their representative body last year. And President Wieser is certain: "Without the competent advice and legal representation, most of those affected would not have received their money."