📋 Tender Overview
In the second part of todays Social CommitteeThe focus was on the concerns of people with disabilities. There were a number of opposition motions for resolutions all of which were postponed. In particular the MEPs advocated a mandatory minimum wage and full social security protection for people with disabilities who work in day workshops and currently only receive pocket money of between 60 and 150. Because of his own professional experience he is very aware of this problem stressed Social Affairs Minister Johannes Rauch. A related study which will deal with all the associated complex questions is to be presented this year. The same applies to the new National Disability Action Plan NAP for the years 2022 to 2030 explained the department headMinimum wage for employees with disabilities in day workshopsDemands for a mandatory minimum wage and associated with it full social insurance coverage for people with disabilities who work in day workshops were presented in the form of two motions for resolutions. Verena Nussbaum complained that since the activities there are not considered normal gainful employment but rather therapeutic measures those affected would only receive pocket money of between 60 and 150. In some cases however designer pieces are also produced there that are later sold at high prices. The SP therefore urged that wages and salaries should also be paid in day workshops in the future and that the people working there should be treated on an equal footing with other employees in terms of labour social security and pension insurance. Already in 2020 there was an all-party motion in this case2635AE .These demands have existed for many years recalled Dagmar Belakowitsch FP. It is a very sad state of affairs that nothing has changed and that the state continues to deal with the weakest in society in this way 381AE . Its been discussed for so long but youre still treading water regretted Gerald Loacker from NEOS.Because of his own professional experience he is very aware of this problem stressed Social Affairs Minister Johannes Rauch. In his earlier work he managed to find a solution at least at state level. Since this is a very complex question his department commissioned a study that is to be presented later this year. With regard to the new National Disability Action Plan NAP for the years 2022 to 2030 which is intended to implement the UN Disability Rights Convention nationwide in Austria the minister announced that it would be finalized soon. We will then build on this and take concrete steps to implement it for example in the field of education where there is still a lot to do. He also pointed out that some federal states have already done a lot and are well on their way.Both motions were postponed with the votes of the VP and the Greens.Further oppositional concerns postponed questions of definition expansion of mobility promotion personal assistance for studentsIn another motion for a resolution the Freedom Party criticized the fact that different degrees of disability were used in different areas to classify people as disabled with preferential treatment. The Minister for Social Affairs should create a uniform definition of disabled persons with preferential treatment that is binding for all public transport which applies from a degree of disability of 50 and applies to reduced services tickets and tickets 2430AE. In general the FP is in favor of expanding mobility funding for people with disabilities. In addition she urges that the existing instruments be evaluated and the expansion of fare reductions or exemptions in public transport examined. According to the application subsidies are currently being granted for orientation and mobility training the purchase of an assistance dog obtaining a driving license and the purchase of motor vehicles as well as mobility subsidies and fare reductions 1527AE .In another initiative the FP is in favor of personal assistance for all students with disabilities. The Ministry of Education denies students with non-physical disabilities the right to personal assistance according to the applicants who also refer to a class action lawsuit against the Ministry of Education under the Disability Equality Act. They also quote from the website of the Ministry of Education which states that personal assistance is only provided for students with physical disabilities. In order to counteract discrimination against students with sensory disabilities or autism the Freedom Party believes it is imperative that these people also have the right to personal assistance in educational institutions.1846AE .All three motions were adjourned.SPO insists on increasing pensions and care allowance from July 1 2022The Social Democrats advocated an increase in care allowance and pensions of up to 4000 by 6 from July 1 2022 2636A . In addition the valorization of the care allowance which is due for early 2023 should be brought forward by half a year due to the current inflation trend 2506AE . The price increase is taking on exorbitant forms which particularly affects people in need of care SP social spokesman Josef Muchitsch points out. After all it is not just fuel and heating that have become more expensive the prices for housing and groceries have recently risen sharply. Sustainable measures are therefore needed and not just one-off payments affirmed Alois Stger because inflation rates will remain at a high level for a long time.Gerhard Kaniak FP who supported both SP initiatives also shared this view. Even a 6 increase in pensions would no longer offset the current inflation rate of around 7.3. However everything must be done to strengthen purchasing power and to ensure peoples ability to survive.
