Hebenstreit Advocates for Improved Working Conditions in Tourism Sector

In a recent statement, Roman Hebenstreit, the leader of the vida union, emphasized that the tourism industry should prioritize creating quality jobs rather than relying on a constant influx of foreign seasonal workers. The Austrian government has announced an increase in the seasonal workforce quota for the tourism sector, allowing for an additional 5,500 workers, including 2,500 from the Western Balkans, to begin in September 2025.

While the government positions this as a temporary solution, critics argue that it merely perpetuates a cycle of low wages and substandard working conditions, leading to high turnover rates in the industry. Hebenstreit highlighted that without significant improvements in job quality, the tourism labor market will continue to suffer from ongoing issues, effectively becoming a bottomless pit filled with low-cost, easily exploited labor.

Interestingly, the tourism sector has access to a larger pool of potential workers than many other industries. In 2024, the average unemployment rate in the tourism sector was recorded at 12.7%, equating to over 33,000 individuals actively seeking employment within this field in Austria. Hebenstreit asserted that the workforce is already present within Austria and Europe; what is needed is to enhance the appeal of tourism jobs by offering long-term career prospects, adequate financial compensation, and protection against workplace harassment.

Furthermore, the government has proposed the establishment of a fund valued at 6.5 million euros per year aimed at supporting tourism employees. This fund is designed to promote the recruitment and retention of workers from Austria and Europe, funding training and education within the sector, and providing special assistance in cases of workplace accidents or unemployment. Measures to combat harassment in the workplace have also been announced.

Hebenstreit views the establishment of this fund as a partial success but insists that a comprehensive approach to support current employees is necessary. With only 20% of tourism workers being permanent staff, and many leaving the industry shortly after joining, there is an urgent need for more sustainable employment practices.

He concluded by warning that relying on the recruitment of workers from third countries is not a viable long-term solution to the ongoing challenges facing the tourism sector. There are concerns that this focus on tourism, despite high unemployment levels, overlooks other sectors experiencing significant labor shortages. Hebenstreit called for a properly regulated system for labor migration instead of the current situation, which favors the loudest voices in the debate.