New Austrian legal guide decodes rising strike laws and worker rights
For Challenging Times: Strike Threats and Labor Strikes on the Rise in Austria—A New Legal Handbook Examines the Issue
Strike threats and walkouts have become increasingly common in Austria amid national and international crises and more contentious collective bargaining negotiations, according to specialist publisher Manz. Relevant provisions of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights (CFR) are now having a growing impact in this area.
Inside the Handbook
The newly published Handbook on Strikes—updated as of January 1, 2026—offers a comprehensive legal analysis from multiple perspectives (spanning approximately 244 pages in print and digital formats). The publisher outlines the key topics covered:
First, the handbook addresses foundational considerations: - The state's obligation of neutrality in labor disputes - The fundamental right to strike - The limits of strike action - Historical developments
It then delves into Austrian legislation, including: - Wage continuation claims during strikes - The prohibition on temporary staffing during labor stoppages - Mediation and conciliation procedures before the Federal Conciliation Board - Interim injunctions and unlawful announcements of workplace meetings - Social security implications of strike participation
Another major focus is the practical dynamics of labor conflicts: - Different forms of industrial action - Conducting workplace assemblies
Editors and Contributors
The handbook is edited by Dr. Wolfgang Kozak, a legal expert in the advisory division of the Vienna Chamber of Labor (AK Wien), a member of the editorial board of the academic journal DRdA, and an established author in labor law. The work also features contributions from numerous specialists across various disciplines.
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