Gastro's demand

Gastronomy spokesman calls for new sick leave regulations

Sick leave is a problem for entrepreneurs.

(Bild: stock.adobe.com – Dragana Gordic )

The government negotiations in Vienna are in full swing - in the meantime, Carinthian Chamber of Commerce and Gastronomy Chairman Stefan Sternad is raising eyebrows with controversial demands. Because short-term sick leave is a heavy burden on companies, employees should take vacation or compensatory time off instead.

The domestic catering industry has come under severe pressure in recent years - the "Krone" has reported on this in detail. "Rising staff costs coupled with a shortage of employees, a surge in the cost of goods and energy and, last but not least, excessive bureaucracy have hit our businesses hard," criticizes Stefan Sternad, chairman of the gastronomy section of the Carinthian Chamber of Commerce. The sluggish negotiations for a new federal government are an opportunity for the man from Villach to put on the pressure: "We've been fobbed off with lip service for long enough. We've had enough of that, now we need concrete action," says Sternad, who would like to see solutions in four areas in particular:

Stefan Sternad is fighting for relief in his industry

(Bild: EVELYN HRONEK)

The gastronomy spokesperson has been calling for tax-free overtime for some time: "We are teaching people to do nothing," says Sternad, annoyed. There is an urgent need to reduce the tax burden for those who are performance-oriented and want to work more: "The catering industry is calling for all overtime to be tax-free - you have to be able to build something up again by working more." Apparently, this demand even made it into the coalition papers during the negotiations between the ÖVP, SPÖ and NEOS. The creation of a Ministry for Tourism Affairs was also absolutely necessary - many tourism agendas could not be dealt with by a State Secretary alone.

"Those who want to work must not be the stupid ones"
According to Sternad, the reform of the flat-rate tax and the increase to 650,000 euros were also discussed in the government negotiations: "We have already provided a lot of content for this major project," explains the gastronomy spokesperson. This would reduce tax pressure and bureaucracy. Sternad also calls for an increase in additional income limits for students as well as a reduction in taxes and tax burdens for retired people: "Students or pensioners who want to work are being punished instead of rewarded for their work. Those who want to work must not be the stupid ones!"

Controversial proposal on sick leave
The lobbyist is particularly bold when it comes to sick leave regulations - depending on the duration of the employment relationship, employers finance six to twelve weeks of continued remuneration in the event of illness: "Continued remuneration during sick leave is one of the most burning issues," Sternad is certain. The current regulation threatens the existence of many restaurateurs: "We are calling for the full assumption of costs for sick leave from the fourth day!" The social insurance providers should pay for this: "After all, the ÖGK has the second largest budget in the Republic!"

I would like to initiate an objective discussion about whether there should be sick leave of less than three days at all - or whether this period should be compensated with time off in lieu, vacation or similar.

Stefan Sternad, WKK-Obmann der Sparte Gastronomie

Sternad also hopes that this will lead to more intensive monitoring by the authorities: "Short-term sick leave is also a problem, and companies can no longer afford it. I would like to initiate an objective discussion about whether there should be sick leave of less than three days at all - or whether this period should be compensated with time off in lieu, vacation or similar. From the fourth day of sick leave, the social insurance providers should pay," Sternad questions these regulations. The restaurateur also criticizes telephone or retroactive sick notes: "Yes, issues that are unpleasant must also be addressed - but this is reasonable for people. Especially the good taxpayers and hackers!"