There are nine provincial chambers, represented at federal level by the Federal Chamber of Labor. The chambers of agriculture represent the joint interest of all those independently employed on the land. They exist at provincial level only, but there is representation at federal level by the Presidential Conference of Chambers of Agriculture. There are also independent chambers representing professional people such as doctors, lawyers, and accountants. Some two-thirds of all Austria's employees are members, which means that Austrian labor is highly organized.
Membership is voluntary and is open to anyone earning a wage or salary in Austria.
One of the GB's most important functions is to draw up and approve collective bargaining agreements. The federation thus plays a major role in developments on the Austrian economic and social scene. In addition to various cooperatives which coordinate agricultural, commercial and consumer interests, a further important role in the field of organized economic interest is played by those organizations representing private industry, such as the Federation of Austrian Industry. Despite a fundamental rivalry of interests, the organizations representing employers and employees realized long ago that the other side's interests must be respected. It was appreciated that two groups whose interest vary but neither of which can hope to impose its will on the other can only make the best of their respective positions if they adopt a course of genuine cooperation.