Police shift trial sparks protest over pay in Linz

A trial of a new police shift system in Linz has drawn criticism over pay and working hours, while Upper Austria’s state police director says the pilot is going well. ORF reported that staff representatives demonstrated outside the Landhaus in Linz on Wednesday.

The trial began on September 1 and will run until the end of November. The Interior Ministry says the system is intended to create a uniform approach for police officers in cities and rural areas, with staff having a greater say in their schedules.

Johann Floss, head of the police union within the Public Service Federation, said a single system was unsuitable for all police units. He argued that urban stations need different arrangements from rural ones, and that specialist units such as the state traffic department and criminal investigation office also require distinct models. Floss said pay under the new system would be about 200 euros lower than before. He opposed industrial action and called for further talks.

Upper Austria state police director Andreas Pilsl said the trial was proceeding well and that concerns, including those about pay, were being assessed. He said many of the problems initially feared had not emerged so far, while acknowledging that changes to a new system can cause uncertainty.

Representatives of the Freedom Party-aligned Action Group of Independent and Freedom-oriented Representatives and the Freedom-oriented Executive Union were among the strongest critics. Representative Martina Gruber said the system appeared aimed at cutting costs and would require more weekend shifts without extra pay, meaning more work for less income. Demonstrators called for fair schedules and pay.

Pilsl said all sides should learn from the trial and move closer together, adding that he was unsure whether a demonstration was the most helpful approach. The trial will continue until the end of November, allowing time to identify problems and make improvements.