Austria is taking a major step in labor rights reform. Starting in 2026, freelancers in Austria will be able to benefit from collective bargaining agreements, and new termination rules will be introduced. While this is a significant achievement, it also raises questions about timing, sufficiency, and the role of public pressure in shaping labor reforms.
From my perspective as an Austrian observer, these changes are a welcome improvement, but they also reflect a recurring pattern in Austrian labor relations: progress often comes only after persistent protests and public outcry.
Background: Freelancers and Labor Rights
Freelancers, or self-employed workers, have historically faced challenges in Austria:
- Lack of collective bargaining rights
- Limited protection from sudden termination
- Unequal treatment compared to salaried employees
The issue gained prominence earlier in 2025 when food delivery company Lieferando announced layoffs of salaried employees, converting them into freelance contracts. This move sparked outrage among workers and the public, as many delivery workers struck multiple times to demand fair rights and protections.
The result? Austrian lawmakers are now introducing rules that will allow freelancers to negotiate collective agreementsand ensure better termination protections, marking a historic shift in the labor market.
Collective Bargaining for Freelancers
One of the most significant reforms is the ability of freelancers to participate in collective bargaining agreements. This is a crucial step:
- It ensures freelancers can negotiate fair pay, benefits, and working conditions
- Reduces the power imbalance between companies and individual contractors
- Promotes a more equitable labor market, aligning freelance rights with those of employees
From my perspective, this reform is long overdue. Freelancers contribute significantly to Austria’s economy, and collective bargaining ensures they are not left vulnerable to exploitation.
New Termination Rules
Another important reform is the introduction of termination protections for freelancers. Historically, freelancers could be terminated without warning or compensation, leaving them economically vulnerable.
The new rules aim to:
- Provide clear procedures for termination
- Ensure notice periods similar to those of salaried employees
- Protect freelancers from arbitrary or sudden contract cancellations
From my viewpoint, this represents a critical safety net, giving freelancers a sense of stability while maintaining flexibility in the labor market.
Public Pressure and Strikes
It’s important to note that these reforms did not happen in isolation. Delivery workers and other freelancers repeatedly struck and protested, demanding fair treatment.
This raises questions:
- Must Austrians always strike to achieve justice in the labor market?
- Are authorities reacting only under pressure, rather than proactively addressing systemic inequalities?
From my perspective, while strikes are a legitimate form of protest, they also highlight gaps in proactive governance. Ideally, reforms should anticipate and meet workers’ needs before crises occur.
Are the Changes Enough?
While the 2026 reforms are significant, the Austrian community is asking:
- Are collective bargaining rights and termination rules sufficient to ensure justice for freelancers?
- Should policymakers listen more closely to the demands of freelancers, particularly regarding benefits, social security, and long-term stability?
- Are there other areas, such as healthcare contributions, pensions, and access to unemployment benefits, that still require reform?
From my perspective, these questions are critical. While the reforms address structural gaps, there is an urgent need to monitor implementation and ensure comprehensive protections for all freelancers.
Implications for the Austrian Labor Market
The new rules for freelancers have broad implications for Austria’s labor market:
- Increased worker satisfaction and retention among freelancers
- Strengthened collective voice, enabling freelancers to negotiate effectively
- Potential influence on other sectors, encouraging fairer contracts and protections across the economy
From my point of view, this reform sets a benchmark for other European countries, demonstrating that freelancers can and should have rights similar to those of traditional employees.
Lessons from Lieferando and Other Cases
The Lieferando case serves as a lesson for Austrian policymakers:
- Rapid conversion of employees to freelancers can create social unrest and labor disputes
- Public visibility and media attention amplify worker demands
- Persistent advocacy and strikes can lead to real, systemic change
From my perspective, the lesson is clear: Austrian labor reforms are most effective when workers actively participatein shaping policy, rather than waiting for authorities to respond reactively.
Future Challenges and Opportunities
Despite the reforms, several challenges remain:
- Enforcement: Will companies fully comply with new termination rules and collective agreements?
- Scope: Are all freelancers, including those in small businesses and gig economy sectors, adequately covered?
- Awareness: Will freelancers understand and exercise their new rights effectively?
From my point of view, Austria must invest in education, awareness campaigns, and enforcement mechanisms to ensure these reforms translate into real, lasting change.
Conclusion: A Step Forward, But Not the Final Step
Austria’s 2026 reforms for freelancers—collective bargaining rights and termination protections—represent a historic achievement. They acknowledge the value of freelance work and provide important protections that were previously lacking.
However, from my perspective, these changes are a starting point, not the endpoint. True labor justice requires:
- Continued listening to freelancers’ concerns
- Expansion of protections to cover benefits, healthcare, and pensions
- Proactive governance to anticipate worker needs before strikes or crises occur
Austria has demonstrated that public advocacy works, but the ultimate goal should be a labor market where rights and protections are guaranteed proactively, not reactively.