PVÖ Opposes Raising Austria's Retirement Age

PVÖ President Birgit Gerstorfer rejects raising the retirement age, citing social injustice and disadvantages for women and students.

PVÖ President Birgit Gerstorfer (SPÖ) has voiced strong opposition to raising the retirement age, countering Seniorenbund head Ingrid Korosec (ÖVP). While Korosec suggests a debate on increasing the statutory age based on years of employment rather than birth date, Gerstorfer argues this would disadvantage those with long educations or career interruptions for childcare. Gerstorfer also labeled coupling retirement to life expectancy as socially unjust. With 120,000 people over 50 unemployed or in training as of June, the PVÖ is demanding labor market policy changes and increased company obligations for older staff. Additionally, the organization calls for the full preservation of pension purchasing power and complete inflation compensation in future adjustments to protect retirees' income.