#WolfgangKatzian [#AndreasBabler](<https://austriareport.com/hashtag/andreasbabler>) [#SPÖ](<https://austriareport.com/hashtag/sp%C3%B6>) #ÖGB [#AustrianEconomy](<https://austriareport.com/hashtag/austrianeconomy>)



# ÖGB President Katzian Backs SPÖ Leader Babler

September 20, 2026 at 09:04 AM

> Wolfgang Katzian addresses party polling, labor market deficits, and proposes oil margin limits to combat rising energy costs in Austria.

**Wolfgang Katzian**, President of the **Austrian Trade Union Federation** and **SPÖ** member, appeared on ORF-Pressestunde to address party leadership and economic issues. Despite polls placing the SPÖ at 15 to 16 percent, Katzian dismissed replacing Andreas Babler.

Katzian criticized the current labor market, noting 900 Chinese cooks as the largest skilled worker group. He warned the Insolvency Remuneration Fund faces a 160 million euro deficit by 2027, urging Social Minister Korinna Schumann to secure its management.

To combat rising costs, Katzian proposed margin limits on oil companies as diesel hits 2.20 euros per liter. He also rejected raising the retirement age, citing the EU Ageing Report, while advocating for a construction industry employment package instead.



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