Vida vs WKO: Dispute Over Social Fraud Figures Intensifies
A dispute has arisen between the vida trade union and the WKO (Economic Chamber of Austria) over the misuse of figures regarding social security fraud. Roman Hebenstreit, vida's chairman, has demanded an administrative procedure against the WKO, while Economic Minister Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer (ÖVP) has dismissed this call, stating there's no legal basis for such measures.
The controversy began when WKO General Secretary Jochen Danninger (ÖVP) claimed that sick leave fraud resulted in €8.5 billion in value creation losses. Hebenstreit contested this, leading to his call for an administrative procedure. Meanwhile, Hattmannsdorfer proposed a joint exchange with the WKO to address social security fraud, aiming to foster dialogue between employee and employer representatives.
The ÖVP's plans to combat social security fraud include a 'control authority for sick leaves'. However, the SPÖ has expressed irritation at the ÖVP's approach, accusing them of mixing unrelated areas in their social security benefits prevention package. Last year, social security benefits fraud cost taxpayers €23 million, with a high estimated dark figure.
The debate surrounding the misuse of figures and the best approach to tackle social security fraud continues. While the ÖVP pushes for stricter measures, the SPÖ criticises their methods. The WKO and vida trade union remain at odds, with Hebenstreit's call for an administrative procedure still pending.
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