"Huge problems"

Corona wave causes numerous teacher absences

(Bild: stock.adobe.com)

Schools across Austria are currently struggling with teacher absences due to the corona and flu pandemic. Despite the shortage of staff, attempts are being made to maintain the usual quality of teaching.

Despite a shortage of teachers in some subjects and regions, lessons are still taking place throughout Austria this school year, albeit "with many provisional arrangements and additional services", as the head of the teachers' union Paul Kimberger (FCG) admits.

Huge problems"
However, respiratory diseases such as corona are currently causing "huge problems". "We already have considerable absences and we are going over the edge because we have no reserves at all."

We already have considerable absences and we are crossing the line because we have no reserves at all.

Paul Kimberger, Oberster Lehrergewerkschafter (FCG)

Everything is being done at the schools to maintain a high quality of teaching, emphasized the chairman of the ARGE teachers in the GÖD. "However, with the onset of the corona and flu season, it is doubtful whether this will really succeed everywhere as we imagine."

Appeal: Adhere to hygiene measures!
"We must all work together to get through this time well," the trade unionist called for consideration and compliance with the hygiene measures recommended by doctors.

More staff required
At the same time, everything must be done to get more staff into the schools. 
schools. In addition to trained teachers, Kimberger also mentioned students, career changers and support staff - "in other words, people who can help us during this time of staff shortages".