Trouble at Linzer

Dismissal after 20 years

The man had worked at KUK - previously AKH - for 20 years. Now his help was no longer valued.(Bild: Einöder Horst)

Inclusion works differently: Kepler University Hospital did not extend the contract of a disabled man from Linz; the 37-year-old, who had worked at the hospital for 21 years, was not informed in advance. The "Krone" found out the background.

It was a shock for Siegfried H. (37, name changed by the editors). For 21 years, the man from Linz, who is wheelchair-bound due to a disability, worked in the archives of the Kepler University Hospital (before 2016 it was the AKH). As part of the City of Linz's "Jobimpuls" program, he was given the chance to lead an independent life and earn his own money. But that came to an end at the end of 2023.

No information in advance
The Kepler University Hospital no longer extended the contract. "The worst thing was that they didn't even talk to me beforehand. Apparently they didn't have the courage to say it to my face," says the Linz resident, who has needed a wheelchair since childhood and can only cover short distances with a walking frame.

If my work was so valuable, why wasn't my contract extended after 21 years?"

Siegfried H. zur Krone

Anger about the procedure
The 37-year-old did not want to accept this so easily and wrote a bitterly angry email to the hospital. And this is what he got in response: "We would like to thank you for your many years of very valuable work at our hospital! We apologize that there was no extensive communication regarding the agreed expiry of your contract and naturally understand your displeasure." For Siegfried H., this is little consolation: "If my work was so valuable, why wasn't my contract extended?" he says angrily.

This is Jobimpuls

Jobimpuls is a service provided by the City of Linz and offers work integration, workplace support, training and further education to people who are unable to find employment without support and preparation. The service provides professional integration for people with disabilities as part of equal opportunities. The employees are employed on a temporary basis as part of a normal employment contract with a maximum of 25 hours per week at the municipal authority. This enables them to secure their livelihood through their ability to work and, above all, to support themselves.

This is the background
For Siegfried H., however, the story ended well after all. The 37-year-old was allowed to work in an archive again. He can now carry out his work at the Linz City Council. The KUK explains: "Due to the City of Linz's withdrawal from the university hospital, it was agreed to let the temporary contracts expire - but only on the condition that alternative jobs are found for those affected," it says in a statement. Another Jobimpuls employee was unable to find a job and will remain at the KUK.

Kommentar

Nur reden ist zu wenig

Inclusion - the inclusion of people with disabilities in society - is a word that is currently used very often. Efforts are being made in many places and a lot is being promised. Obviously, there is often a lack of implementation.

(Bild: Krone KREATIV, Alexander Schwarzl, Markus Wenzel)

It is therefore surprising that a hospital, of all places, which is part of the state's health holding company, has not extended the contract of a man with a walking disability. The fact that the whole thing was not even communicated properly is the last straw.