The call for the “3G rule” (vaccinated, recovered, or tested – ed.) has met with broad acceptance at policymaker levels. After the health ministry voiced its support, the minister for agriculture, Elisabeth Koestinger (conservative People’s Party, VP), and Greens faction leader in parliament, Sigrid Maurer, have called for the 3G rule at workplaces.
Both referred to the Social Partners, who referred back to the government. In companies, corona regulations were handled in very different ways.
The head of the Austrian Federation of Industry (Industriellenvereinigung, IV) said on Wednesday that a 3G regulation was a “possibility” but should not cause more bureaucratic work for companies. President of Trade Union Federation (OeGB), Wolfgang Katzian, also said on Austrian national Oe1 radio that he was open to this kind of regulation. However, the government was responsible, and there were no negotiations with the Social Partners, but rather talks at the expert level.
Companies had very differing opinions on a possible 3G regulation, as a series of phone interviews held by APA showed. The Austrian Postal Service has a 2G regulation (only vaccinated or recovered – ed.) otherwise the postal workers have to wear masks. The phone and internet company “Drei” has its own app which allows workers to prove their 3G status at the entrance to their workplaces. If they cannot prove they are either vaccinated, recovered, or tested, they are not allowed in. This worked very well, and the workers accepted it, said spokeswoman Petra Jakob.
The Austrian motorists and touring association OeAMTC have made FFP2 masks, respectively, the 3G regulation, mandatory in its workplaces. “If someone wants to work without a mask, they have to provide current 3G proof”, said Herwig Kummer, the head of personnel management at the association. It was recommended to wear a mask in addition to the 3G regulation.
Telekom Austria already has the 3G rule at workplaces, as does Austria Press Agency.
Reported in cooperation with the Austrian Press Agency / APA.
