Negotiations between unions and management at the Ordensspitäler (Order Hospitals) in Upper Austria remain stalled, with a reduction in weekly working hours emerging as the primary sticking point. The dispute threatens further disruption to healthcare services, as a potential strike looms if a resolution isn’t reached by the next negotiation round.
The core of the disagreement lies in the unions’ demand for a phased reduction in the standard workweek to 37 hours by 2028. This proposal follows an initial demand for 35 hours, representing a compromise aimed at addressing concerns about workload and employee wellbeing. The Ordensspitäler, however, have resisted these calls, citing operational challenges and financial constraints. The situation highlights growing tensions within Austria’s healthcare system regarding staffing levels and working conditions.
Strike Action Possible in March
With the next round of collective bargaining scheduled for February 24, 2026, both sides appear entrenched in their positions. According to reports, the employers have criticized the union’s recent survey on strike readiness as lacking transparency, alleging inconsistencies in how the survey was conducted across different facilities. Despite these criticisms, the Ordensspitäler maintain their commitment to reaching a “sustainable and fair solution,” but have not signaled a willingness to concede on the key issue of working hours.
Should negotiations fail to yield a breakthrough on February 24th, the union has warned of a further strike on March 3, 2026. This follows an initial strike held on January 22, 2026, across all eight Ordensspitäler in Upper Austria, demonstrating the growing frustration among non-physician staff. The union emphasizes that increasing workloads and pressure are not being met with adequate relief measures.
Union Highlights Strong Member Support
The Gewerkschaft vida, the union representing the hospital workers, presented the results of a recent member survey indicating strong support for their demands. The survey, conducted in the lead-up to the February negotiations, revealed 6,843 expressions of intent to strike, signaling a high level of dissatisfaction among the approximately 10,000 non-physician employees at the Ordensspitäler. vida officials have framed the dispute as a fight for recognition and genuine relief for healthcare workers who are facing increasing strain.
The initial demands, presented on September 16, 2025, included both a real inflation adjustment and a reduction in working hours. Workers have voiced concerns about the increasing demands placed upon them, coupled with a lack of adequate support and compensation. Sandra Weilnböck, a radiologic technologist at the Ordensklinikum bei den Barmherzigen Schwester Linz, stated the need to support the collective bargaining negotiations, emphasizing the exhaustion and burnout experienced by many healthcare professionals.
The Ordensspitäler have acknowledged the pressures faced by their staff but maintain that the proposed working hour reductions are unsustainable. The employers argue that the current measures package on the table represents a reasonable compromise, but the union has yet to accept it. The ongoing dispute underscores the broader challenges facing healthcare systems in Austria and beyond, as they grapple with issues of staffing shortages, workload management, and employee wellbeing.
The outcome of the February 24th negotiations will be crucial in determining the future of labor relations at the Ordensspitäler and potentially setting a precedent for other healthcare institutions in Upper Austria. The potential for further strike action remains high, and the impact on patient care could be significant if a resolution is not reached. The situation will be closely watched by healthcare workers and policymakers alike.
Disclaimer: This article provides informational coverage of a labor dispute and should not be considered medical or legal advice. If you are experiencing stress or burnout, please consult with a qualified healthcare professional.
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