A 60-year-old accountant in Vienna, Monika S., faced sudden termination after protesting a demotion. While on vacation, management revoked her system access and reassigned her from auditing balance sheets to filing duties, leading to her eventual dismissal.
The Arbeiterkammer represented Monika S. in the Labor and Social Court, challenging the firing based on unlawful motives and social hardship. The case resulted in a 15,000 euro settlement for the accountant, who is two years away from the regular retirement age.
Ines Stilling of the Arbeiterkammer noted women can legally work until 65 for gender equality. The organization is now calling for a bonus-malus system to incentivize companies to retain older employees and prevent discriminatory practices in the workforce.