The Chamber of Labor elections start in Vorarlberg this week. For the black AK President Bernhard Heinzle, it is the first big test. Manuela Auer from the Social Democratic Trade Unionists (FSG) could at least shake the throne a little.
From Thursday to February 8th, employees in Vorarlberg can vote on the composition of the Chamber of Labor. In the past decades, the tension has been limited: the Christian Trade Union Group (FCG), which is part of the ÖVP or its sub-organization ÖAAB, has been the majority since 1974 and therefore also the respective president. In the most recent election in 2019, the FCG lost the absolute majority with 47 percent, but was still clearly the strongest faction. They were followed by the Social Democratic Trade Unionists (FSG) with a good 30 percent, the Freedom Workers (7.9 percent) and the “Together – Greens and Independents” faction (6 percent). This year’s AK election could be interesting for several reasons : On the one hand, Bernhard Heinzle took over the presidency around 14 months ago in a quick change from his popular predecessor Hubert Hämmerle. So it’s his first time at the polls – and this will show whether he has already gained his own profile. In contrast, Heinzle’s biggest opponent, FSG frontwoman Manuela Auer, is known throughout the country as a tireless fighter for workers’ rights. And last but not least, the election is taking place under special circumstances: inflation is eating away at the substance, the economy is weakening – these are issues that directly affect the working part of the population. So there are some unknown variables. Anything other than a victory for Heinzle and his FCG would still be a real sensation – although the lead could become smaller.
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