Please click here to view this information or follow the links in the more user-friendly design of the data base, allowing for direct access to related information. The greatest part of the funds for the scheme is obtained from contributions by the employees and employers. The high seasonal component comprising about 20-25 percent of total volume of unemployment is striking. Since temporary unemployment has increased at the same pace at total unemployment during the last twenty years, national and international experts have pointed to the necessity of reforming this sector of the labour market.
Seasonal unemployment is well above average in agriculture, construction and tourism.
The differences between benefits and contributions are hugh between sectors. The social partners opposed this measure and proposed as alternative an additional clause to the collective agreement between the Chamber of Economy and the Union of Hotels, Restaurants and Personal Services, which provides for a prolongation of the employment relationship of the sector s seasonal workers. The section Restaurants and Hotels of the Austrian Federal Chamber of Economy and the Union of Hotels, Restaurants and Personal Services signed a collective agreement which should provide for a prolongation of the employment relationship of 2 weeks per season for seasonal workers in the tourism industry. The following two measures are set to achieve this goal. The employment duration is extended by two weeks through the inclusion of up to 40 hours overtime and 7 days of holiday into normal working time.