Bad news for all unemployed in Austria – economy
Social Affairs Minister Johannes Rauch called the annual increase in all social benefits in Austria “one of the most important steps in social policy in recent decades”. “This is help for everyone who really needs it at a time when this help is particularly important.” But not all financial support will be increased!
More money for everyone! Minister is now making a hammer announcement
On the occasion of the valorisation of social benefits announced by Federal Minister Johannes Rauch on Friday, the Chamber of Labor reiterated its call for unemployment benefits to be increased to 70 percent of the last income.
Chamber of Labor President Renate Anderl has no understanding that neither the already low unemployment benefits nor the emergency aid are being valorized: “In view of the enormous inflation, job seekers are currently particularly at risk of poverty.”
“Smoke has remained very vague”
And further: “Referring here to the labor market reform, which the government has been putting off for months, does not help the people who are already struggling to make ends meet,” said Anderl in a broadcast.
It also remained unclear which mechanism would be used to value social benefits. Anderl: “Federal Minister Rauch has remained very vague here.” The adjustment in pension insurance cited as an example often provides for higher adjustments for small pensions than for large ones.
However, the valorization also includes non-income-related benefits such as family allowances. The calculation method for the increase is also unclear.
No understanding
The Ministry of Social Affairs has withdrawn – after sharp protests from the Chamber of Labor and the Austrian Trade Union Federation, among others – the cut in the school starter package from 100 to 80 euros. Low-income families should now receive an additional voucher worth 40 euros.
“We are pleased that the Ministry of Social Affairs has taken up our request and is now also taking inflation and price increases into account,” said Anderl, President of the Chamber of Labor. On the other hand, Anderl has no sympathy for the fact that the school grant was left out during the valorisation.
“Similarly, however, the school grants, which are supposed to be support for exactly the same families as the school starter package, must now be adjusted to inflation. We generally need cushioning of the inflation for families at risk of poverty, with all support services in different life situations!”, says Anderl.