178 employees are affected. They are looking for jobs in a corporate environment. “Siemens currently has around 100 job openings in Austria,” says the German electronics company. The reason for the end was that capabilities in the field of automation would be adjusted worldwide to strengthen competitiveness.
“Part of these measures are changes in the industrial sector at Siemens Austria,” the company said. At the same time, the European production resources at the factory in Sibiu, Romania, would be used as needed,” explained Siemens in a press release. This measure would increase synergies in the region for which Austria is responsible.
Management remains in Vienna
Management of the global industrial power supply business, including the research and growth center and product and quality management, will remain in Vienna.In total, around 9,300 people work for Siemens in Austria. Sales in the financial year 2023 amounted to 3.2 billion euros.Siemens austria serves 25 other countries from Vienna.
On Wednesday, German car supplier Schaeffler announced that it would be closing its factory in Berndorf, Lower Austria, at the end of next year. 450 employees are affected. It was previously known that the traditional Upper Austrian company KTM had gone bankrupt. The Pierer Mobility subsidiary is currently preparing an application for self-administered restructuring proceedings.
Industrial association is afraid
The Industrial Association (IV) sounded the alarm on Thursday. “Every day we get new news from companies that are struggling. “Factory closings,job cuts,salary cut negotiations and bankruptcies are on the rise,” IV President Georg Knill said in a press release. “We have been warning of similar situations for months – what must happen now to finally take countermeasures?” he asked politicians.
From the point of view of the representative of the industry, the reasons are “manny and sadly also home-made”. In particular, Knill addressed “high inflation and irresponsible wage agreements in recent years”. Labor unit costs in this country have increased by 30.2 percent from 2021, but in Germany by 14.3 percent and in Italy by only 7.1 percent, Knill calculated. Therefore, local competitiveness suffers.
PRO-GE IV Counters: “The latest class”
Knill’s comparison of the local and German collective bargaining systems instantly upset the union. The IV disqualifies itself as a partner for an active site and industrial policy with “supposed arguments (…),” said the head of the production union (PRO-GE), Reinhold Binder. The two systems cannot be compared; in the German metal and electrical industry, for example, a 35-hour week is in place in large parts.
“Also, the key economic indicators were different in the past and the growth rates of Austrian industry were much higher then those of Germany. If the IV analysis was correct, Germany would now be an economic driver and not in crisis mode,” said Binder.
Energy costs in Austria have also risen more considerably since 2020 than wages in industry. “It is unrealistic to act as if social partners do not agree on wage agreements but are dictated by the unions,” says Binder. He accepts that the IV “really intends to gradually devalue the wages and salaries of the employees”. The statements of President IV were “excellent” and correspond to “post-truth propaganda”.
How can local communities effectively contribute to global climate change mitigation efforts?
Certainly! Below is a fictional interview between a Time.news editor and an expert in the field of climate change. This engaging format allows for dynamic conversation, providing insights into current issues.
Time.news Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we’re delving into one of the most pressing issues of our time: climate change. Joining us is Dr. Elena Morales, a leading climate scientist and advisor to several global environmental organizations.welcome, Dr. Morales!
Dr. Elena Morales: Thank you for having me! it’s a pleasure to be here.
Editor: Let’s jump right in. The recent IPCC report indicates that we are nearing a critical threshold for global temperatures. What were your main takeaways from that report?
Dr. Morales: The report is quite alarming, yet it serves as a crucial wake-up call. We’re on track to surpass a 1.5-degree Celsius increase, which is a tipping point for many ecosystems. The data suggests that if we don’t take immediate, decisive action, the consequences could be catastrophic, not just for the planet but for human existence itself.
Editor: Those are strong words. What are some of the immediate actions that you believe must be taken on a global scale?
Dr.Morales: First and foremost, we need to drastically reduce carbon emissions. Transitioning to renewable energy sources like solar and wind is essential.Additionally, we must invest in carbon capture technology and protect our forests and oceans, which play a vital role in sequestering CO2. It’s also crucial to engage local communities in conservation efforts and implement sustainable agricultural practices.
Editor: That sounds like a comprehensive plan. However, we often hear skepticism about climate change, even with overwhelming scientific evidence. How do you address that skepticism?
Dr. Morales: Education is key. We need to communicate the science of climate change in a way that is relatable and evidence-based. Highlighting climate change’s direct impact on people’s everyday lives can often resonate more than statistics alone. Additionally,scientists should remain transparent about uncertainties and involve the public in discussions to demystify the science.
Editor: That’s a great point. Speaking of dialog, social media plays a huge role in how climate news is delivered today. What do you think about its impact?
Dr. Morales: Social media can be a double-edged sword. It can spread misinformation just as easily as it can spread awareness. However, it also provides a platform for activists, scientists, and organizations to reach global audiences and mobilize action. The key is to promote credible sources and ensure that factual data is accessible and engaging.
Editor: Certainly! As we wrap up, what gives you hope in the fight against climate change?
Dr. Morales: Despite the challenges, I see a growing movement of young activists who are passionate and informed. thier determination inspires a sense of urgency in the older generations and pushes for policy changes. Innovations in technology are also promising. with collaboration and commitment, I truly believe we can create a sustainable future.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. morales, for sharing your insights today. It’s clear that while the challenges are meaningful, there’s still an opportunity for positive change.
Dr. Morales: Thank you! Let’s continue the conversation and keep pushing for the action we so desperately need.
This interview format serves to inform readers while creating an engaging dialogue that appeals to both emotions and logic, guiding them toward a deeper understanding of climate change issues.