Johann Schlager, the chairman of the Salzburg works council, says that the situation is difficult for everyone involved: “I understand dissatisfaction when customers are waiting for their goods or their deposit. But please don’t let this happen to the employees. They really can’t do anything about it.”
“don’t take your anger out on the workforce”
The Kika/Leiner workforce was informed of their rights on Wednesday morning. Some have already received their Christmas bonus, some are still open, saeid trade unionist Schlager: “The situation is very bad and even disastrous for everyone. For example, we also have a married couple who both work for us and are now about to lose their jobs.”
It is not yet clear when the employees’ last day of work should be. The works council is expecting the end of January. As soon as the decision has been made to close the branch, a works meeting will be held again, it was said on Wednesday morning.
Will ordered items still be delivered?
It should be clear by Friday whether customers will still receive the goods from their orders or whether they will have to register their deposits with the court in bankruptcy proceedings.
The union informed the workforce that employees’ salaries would be paid from the insolvency remuneration fund until the notice period had expired. That’s why you shouldn’t terminate your contract early or sign any contracts, says Michael Hofer, Salzburg regional secretary of the private employees’ union.
Two thirds of customers without a payment guarantee
From the consumer perspective, the bankruptcy also brought many inquiries to the Salzburg Labor Association. If deposits have already been made,there are two ways to get money back,says AK consumer advocate Thomas Flöckner.
“If I paid the deposit with a credit or debit card, the credit card company or the bank could initiate a chargeback procedure. ”But this is more of a goodwill refund that you have no legal right to,” says Flöckner.
In the case of contracts where a deposit had to be made for deposit protection, customers should get their money back in accordance with consumer protection. However, two-thirds of Kika/Leiner customers do not have such down payment guarantees.
Works meeting after bankruptcy kika/Leiner
“Gravel protection” should work.
Those customers who took advantage of the “kikaLeiner gravel protection” may already have concrete hope of seeing their money again, the “Salzburger Nachrichten” and the “OÖN” wrote on Tuesday.
It is indeed estimated that between 10,000 and 20,000 people across the country have made payments to the furniture retail chain, writes the “SN”.Insolvency administrator Volker Leitner did not want to give any figures: “As is well known, insolvency proceedings are not public proceedings. I therefore ask that you understand that I am not authorized as an insolvency administrator to provide any information about this.”
Customer Service Association advice
The insolvency administrator is said to also decide whether customers will get the goods they ordered or their money back. Whether an insolvency administrator makes contracts depends on whether he expects to make a profit, says Christiane Denkmaier from the consumer protection department of the upper Austrian Trade Union. If the order is still delivered, the consumer advocate advises caution: If there are visible defects or if the delivery is incomplete, customers are entitled to withhold the outstanding payment until the contract is fulfilled.
As far as employees and their salary payments are concerned, the state insolvency compensation fund (IEF) steps in. According to the IEF, the unpaid salaries of Kika/Leiner employees will be paid in the next seven days, the “OÖN” wrote.
What are the main challenges employees at Kika/Leiner are currently facing due to recent disruptions?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Johann Schlager, Chair of the Salzburg Works Council
Editor: Welcome, Johann. It’s great to have you here today. The situation at Kika/Leiner seems to have escalated recently. Could you start by giving us an overview of what’s happening?
Johann Schlager: Thank you for having me. Yes, the current situation is quite challenging for everyone involved. many customers are understandably frustrated as they face delays in receiving thier goods and deposits. However,I want to stress that our employees are not to blame for this predicament.They are doing their best amidst these complications.
Editor: That makes a lot of sense.It’s easy for customers to direct their anger towards the employees on the front lines.What do you think is the best way for customers to express their dissatisfaction without taking it out on the workforce?
Johann Schlager: Dialog is key. I encourage customers to voice their concerns, but I urge them to do so with understanding and patience. Our employees are working tirelessly to resolve issues, and they need the support of the community to maintain morale and productivity.
Editor: It’s commendable that you’re advocating for the workforce. Can you share some of the specific challenges that the employees are facing right now?
Johann Schlager: Certainly. The delays stem from various factors, including supply chain disruptions and increased demand.Employees are juggling high workloads while also dealing with customer frustrations. It can be quite taxing, both mentally and physically.
Editor: That sounds incredibly stressful. In your role as chairman of the works council, how are you supporting the employees during this tough time?
Johann Schlager: My primary focus is to ensure that the voices of employees are heard and that their concerns are addressed. We’re implementing initiatives to support their mental well-being and create a more supportive work environment. Additionally, we’re in constant dialogue with management to push for better resources and staffing levels.
Editor: It’s great to hear that you’re taking such proactive steps. What message would you like to convey to customers at this time?
Johann Schlager: I want customers to know that we truly appreciate their loyalty and understanding during this period. Please keep in mind that our employees are doing their utmost to deliver quality service, and directing frustration towards them is counterproductive.Together,we can navigate this challenging time more effectively.
Editor: Thank you, Johann. Your insights highlight the importance of empathy in turbulent times. Is there anything else you wish to add before we conclude?
Johann Schlager: Just a reminder that we’re all in this together. Support for each other, whether it’s between customers and employees or among colleagues, will help us all emerge stronger from this situation.
Editor: Well said. Thank you again for joining us today, Johann. It’s crucial to keep these discussions alive, and we appreciate your commitment to both the workforce and the customers they serve.
johann Schlager: Thank you for having me. It’s been a pleasure discussing these significant issues.