In Vienna, 190 employees affected by the insolvency of the furniture retailer Kika/Leiner are being offered support through an insolvency foundation set up by the Vienna Workers' Promotion Fund (waff). This initiative allows participants to access retraining and education opportunities for up to three years. During this period, affected individuals will receive unemployment benefits from AMS Vienna, complemented by a monthly training allowance of €100 provided by waff.
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Economic City Councillor Peter Hanke stated that the programme aims to facilitate a swift return to the workforce while addressing the shortage of skilled professionals. 'In this way, we help people quickly return to employment and at the same time train urgently needed specialists,' he remarked. Collaboration with trade unions, works councils, the Vienna Chamber of Labour and AMS Vienna ensures that tailored solutions are offered to meet individual needs. Winfried Göschl, head of AMS Vienna, expressed confidence in the approach, stating, 'Together we will succeed in catching the affected people well and guiding each one in a direction that is individually the right one.'
Meanwhile, in Lower Austria, discussions are ongoing regarding the establishment of a similar insolvency foundation. FPÖ State Councillor Susanne Rosenkranz highlighted the importance of being prepared for increasing demands. 'If the capacities of the AMS are no longer sufficient, we must be able to react quickly,' she noted. This comment follows earlier rejection of the initiative in Lower Austria, with officials previously emphasising close coordination with the Employment Service (AMS) as the preferred course of action.
The insolvency of Kika/Leiner, one of Austria's prominent furniture chains, has had a significant impact on employees, particularly in Vienna. The creation of a support structure underscores the efforts to mitigate economic disruption while providing affected workers with a pathway to upskilling and new employment opportunities.
The Vienna foundation reflects a proactive strategy in response to economic challenges, prioritising the retention and reintegration of skilled labour. With increasing focus on collaboration between governmental bodies, unions, and employment agencies, this initiative serves as a model for addressing unemployment caused by large-scale business closures.
Source: www.vienna.at