In view of the increasing number of infections, the SPÖ continues to put pressure on the introduction of the 3G rule in the workplace. Health Minister Wolfgang Mückstein (Greens) must quickly hold talks with the social partners, demands party leader Pamela Rendi-Wagner in a statement.
There are currently no protective provisions for open-plan offices or meat processing plants, special rules only apply in the health sector or when contacting customers. Rendi-Wagner sees an “enormous safety lever” for around four million workers and their relatives, even if the 3G (vaccinated, tested, recovered) has to be proven in the workplace. For them it is contradictory if a 3G certificate is necessary for a voluntary coffee house visit, but not at the place of work, where one has to be and also spend a lot more time.
Rendi-Wagner for test expansion
In addition, the 3G regulation would also bring legal clarity as to which protective measures employers are allowed to take and raise the vaccination rate, according to the SPÖ’s plan. In this context, Rendi-Wagner also advocates expanding company vaccinations.
“The federal government should quickly introduce 3G at the workplace with the involvement of the social partners. If the time runs out, the virus will run away and the fourth wave cannot be controlled,” she insists on a quick ordinance from the health minister. At the same time, the doctor appeals to Mückstein not only to maintain the free range of tests, but also to expand the range of more reliable PCR tests throughout Austria. Vaccinated people should also get tested regularly to protect everyone. “Fewer tests mean less control. It would be the completely wrong way to give up that control.”
