Political Factions and Groups in the OeGB

The Austrian Federation of Trade Unions is above all parties, but not apolitical. There are several political splinter groups and other recognised groups, which guarantee the necessary ideological freedom within the trade union federation.

Historical origins

The establishment of political factions goes back to historical origins. Shortly after the foundation of the OeGB in 1945, political factions began to redevelop, established by Socialist, Christian and Communist unionists. Later some more small faction groups were set up as well. Tensions arose and still arise between the factions, but in the end the unity of the OeGB is the strength behind its own existence: workers can declare their loyalty to the federation without having to repudiate their own ideological standpoint.

Not compulsory

Furthermore, it is not compulsory to establish a faction group or to become a member of such a group in a company, so no worker who joins a union in order to protect his interests is compelled to join a faction if he does not share its political ideological convictions.

Factions

According to the faction statute, the following factions and groups have been established within the OeGB:

• FSG - Social Democratic Trade Unionists
• FCG - Christian Trade Unionists
• GLB - Trade Union "Left Block" (Communist Trade Unionists)
• UG - Independent Trade Unionists
• PFG - Non-partisan Trade Unionists
• FA - Freedom Party Partnership

These factions and groups are not embodied in the Constitution of the OeGB. In practice, however, they play a significant role. The strongest faction in terms of numbers is the Faction of Social Democratic Trade Unionists which has close links with the Austrian Social Democratic Party (SPOe). The Christian faction is closely connected with the Austrian People's Party (OeVP). As the different factions have continually striven for a policy of consensus in order to ensure the interests of all employees, they have become a constituent element of the OeGB.

The great advantage of a unified and non-partisan organisation lies in the fact that the position between the parties ensures a general freedom of movement. It gives supporters of different political tendencies the possibility of a common position in economic and social issues and thus also exerts an indirect influence upon the parties themselves.

The OeGB as umbrella organisation

The OeGB as the umbrella organisation of all factions and trade unions has a lot of advantages compared to other models of organisation:

• uniform and consistent perception of the interests of all employees
• high degree of organisation and competence at its headquarters
• effective integration of trade unionist policy into the world of economy and the Social Partners.