Study visit to Austrian organizations Südwind and PRO-GE

September 28, 2021

Study visit to Austrian organizations Südwind and PRO-GE

As part of the ZARUP project (Satisfied Worker-Successful Employer) funded by the EU, representatives of Novi sindikat conducted a study visit to two prominent Austrian organizations: the NGO Südwind and the manufacturing, agriculture, and mining union, PRO-GE.

On Monday, September 13, we met with representatives of the PRO-GE union in Vienna. The meeting included Gerald Kreuzer from the Textile Industry Department, Trade Union Secretary Franz Stürmer, and Karl Orthaber, a representative of the Agricultural Department and the Seasons trade union coalition. We also had the pleasure of meeting Martin Schneller, the head of PRO-GE’s International Department.

The Seasons coalition focuses on the rights of agricultural workers, most of whom are seasonal laborers in Austria. Since the ZARUP project specifically addresses the challenges faced by seasonal workers, their expertise was a central topic of our discussion. The coalition produces informative materials for workers in multiple languages, including Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian, which are available on their official website: seasons.at.

On Tuesday, September 14, we visited the non-governmental organization Südwind. We met with CEO Konrad Rehling, Clean Clothes Campaign (CCC) Project Coordinator Gertrude Klaffenböck, and Campaign Coordinator Stefan Grasgruber-Kerl. Director Rehling introduced us to Südwind’s extensive work in international development, education, and social issues, while Stefan Grasgruber-Kerl detailed their specific activities regarding global labor rights.

This visit was highly productive, allowing us to exchange materials and open new channels for future international cooperation between Croatian and Austrian labor advocates.

Gerald Kreuzer and Franz Stürmer (Pro-Ge)

Karl Orthaber, Martina Schneller and Geral Kreuzer (Pro-Ge)