ÖGB Schumann to Family Minister Raab: “A lot has been said, but very little said!”

2023-09-17 11:57:09

After the Raab interview in the ORF press hour: Overdue investment in elementary education – the federal government must finally follow up on announcements with action.

Vienna (OTS) – “The financing is unclear and the expansion of elementary education is progressing far too slowly,” said ÖGB Vice President and Women’s Chairwoman Korinna Schumann, commenting on Family Minister Raab’s remarks in the ORF press hour on Sunday. The minister talked a lot but said very little. “And the fact that the government is currently reducing parental leave for women by two months was completely left out,” said the trade unionist. “Accordingly, it is difficult to believe government representatives when they talk about investments in elementary education, because the overall picture with the reduced parental leave is frightening and exactly the opposite of what women in this country need,” explains Schumann .

It is high time for the federal government to finally take seriously the needs and concerns of parents regarding the compatibility of work and family and, not least, those working in elementary education, Schumann continued: “Since the minister has not told us anything concrete, In any case, caution is required as to how the money is invested. We will not accept marketing slander on the backs of parents.”

The ÖGB continues to demand a legal right to a non-contributory children’s education place from the child’s first birthday, which has been repeatedly demanded by the social partners together with the IV in recent years. “Only with this would women have real freedom of choice. The announced investment should be followed by a concrete step-by-step plan for legal rights,” says Schumann and concludes: “The women in this country deserve that the announcements and lip service are finally implemented.”