Statistics Austria has provided the Chamber of Labor with frightening figures. 27 percent, that is more than a quarter of all women in Austria, have already been exposed to sexual harassment at their workplace. Error excluded, because the AK itself sees a massive increase in consultations.
The majority of women are affected, namely 91 percent, and especially those aged 19 or younger, i.e. apprentices too, have to make this unpleasant experience. Sometimes the ordeal that workers are subjected to starts with the interview.
Some women do not know how to defend themselves, others comply due to the difficult economic situation. The current crisis does not make the situation of these women any better. One of the victims explained that they put up with the attacks because they needed the Christmas bonus so urgently, reported the head of labor law advice at the AK, Bianca Steppwieser.
Sexual harassment is particularly severe in the catering and tourism sectors. Employers like to turn a blind eye here. Either they don’t even look at it, or they ignore the problems. Stakeholders are now demanding prevention concepts or compensation for the victims of 5,000 euros.
