Major incident deployment -Labour law information and support

What needs to be considered in the event of absence from work?

• If you are unable to come to work on time or at all due to extreme weather conditions or severe weather damage, this is a reason for being prevented from working.

• A delay or absence is excused if you have made every reasonable effort to be at work on time. For example, leaving earlier, taking another means of transport, etc. What is reasonable for you depends on the individual case.

• If it becomes apparent that you will not be able to reach your workplace on time or at all, you are obliged to inform your employer immediately. In this situation, you do not have to take leave or time off. You are entitled to continued payment of salary.

• You are also prevented from working if your children cannot go to kindergarten or school and the parents have to take over childcare. As a parent, you are obliged to fulfil your duty of care. You do not need to take time off or leave for it.

• Whether you are allowed to stay at home to protect your property or that of your relatives must be checked on a case-by-case basis.

  
  

There is paid time off for major incidents and mountain rescue operations (only German)

If you are involved on a voluntary basis in major incidents or mountain rescue operations, you may be entitled to paid leave of absence.

• When does a major loss event occur?

Deployments lasting at least 8 hours and requiring more than 100 people

(PLEASE NOTE: In principle, individual operations are not counted together here. However, in the event of flooding due to persistent rainfall, a major incident can occur due to several deployments in several localities)

• For paid time off, the location and extent of the time off must be agreed with the employer. This can be done in advance for future events, but also promptly afterwards. The costs are settled in accordance with the respective federal state regulations.

• If no remuneration is paid, the emergency worker may be entitled to income compensation from the state or municipality in accordance with the relevant state regulations.

Help with flood damage

• ÖGB emergency fund - The ÖGB offers quick and unbureaucratic financial assistance through the emergency fund in the event of damage caused by flooding. Submit the application to the respective trade union or to the ÖGB regional secretariats. (only German)

• Federal and state emergency fund - apply via the local authority, e.g. municipality of residence. (only German)

• Caritas emergency fund - those affected can also call the Caritas flood hotline on 05 17 76 300. (only German)