Leon Hartl (24) was elected today as the new federal chairman of the Austrian Trade Union Youth (ÖGJ) at the 38th Federal Youth Congress of the ÖGB with 83.3 percent of the votes. The sales employee and former youth trust councilor at Wiener Städtische Versicherung is taking over the chairmanship from Richard Tiefenbacher, whom he thanks for his commitment and passion in the more than three years in which he held this position.
“I don’t want to leave the future to chance – we have to shape it ourselves, with fair working conditions and real opportunities for everyone. Here and now I am committed to ensuring that young people are not just spectators, but rather become the makers of a better working world,” emphasizes the new ÖGJ chairman. “My commitment is my contribution to a society in which solidarity is the true strength and not competition the only benchmark. There is a lot to do, youth work shouldn’t just be paid lip service!” said the trade unionist.
Focus: Strengthening the Youth Trust Council (JVR)
The focus of the congress with the motto “Shift change! Now it’s the youth’s turn!” is about strengthening the Youth Trust Council (JVR), the central body for the democratic participation of apprentices and young employees in the company. The ÖGJ demands, among other things: the removal of the voting age for JVR elections in order to enable participation regardless of age, an increase in educational leave for JVR members from two to three weeks and the recognition of JVR events as working time. “Especially at a time when democracy and co-determination are constantly being challenged, the rights of the JVR must be further expanded,” is beyond doubt for Hartl.
With the approved motions and demands of the Federal Youth Congress, the young trade unionists are setting clear priorities: “The modernization of vocational schools and the upgrading of teaching are crucial, not only for us, but also to counteract the shortage of skilled workers,” emphasizes Hartl. He calls on the future federal government to take the concerns of young people seriously – even after the election.
“Before every election, young people are an important group of voters, but afterwards things often look different,” said the trade unionist. “That has to be different in the future. “We will observe how the federal government acts and, if necessary, take measures so that youth become a central part of the government program,” says the new ÖGJ chairman combatively.
Help shape the future – solidarity instead of lip service
The youth trade unions have always been a strong voice for young employees and will always remain so, emphasizes Hartl: “Youth work must not be given lip service. The ÖGJ will bring youth to where they belong – to the top of society, for the future of each and every individual and the future of the entire country.”
Increase in training compensation
Another central concern of the Federal Youth Congress was the upgrading of inter-company training (ÜBA). Young people who cannot find an apprenticeship are given the opportunity to learn a profession here. The delegates are demanding, among other things, an increase in financial support to industry-standard levels as well as mandatory continued employment periods in internship companies.
In addition to the Federal Youth Chairman, the Presidium of the Austrian Trade Union Youth was also elected. In addition to Leon Hartl (GPA), it includes Anika Kraut (GPA), Benjamin Liedlbauer (PRO-GE), Sophie Fillafer (PRO-GE), Fabian Edlinger (vida), Jennifer Huemer (vida), Jakob Fiala (youunion), Vanessa Dominic (youunion), Tobias Haberl (GBH), Tina Phillipovitsch (GBH), Dominikus Karl Krall (GÖD), Hanna Alijagic (GÖD), Leon Lackner (GPF) and Aysen Cakir (GPF).