The theme of the 36th Conference on Trade Union Cooperation in Europe (36th KGZE 2025) was “People with disabilities as valued part of society in Europe – inclusion in the workplace and in democratic processes at work”. The conference was held in Vienna from 11 to 13 June 2025, was organised in cooperation with EZA and funded by the European Union.
The 98 participants were representatives of workers' organisations from Albania, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Portugal, Romania, Spain and Ukraine.
Day 1 – Wednesday, 11 June 2025:
The 36th KGZE was opened by Michael Schediwy-Klusek, Secretary-General of the FCG (Christian Trade Union Group). He welcomed the 98 participants from 20 nations and 34 organisations. In her opening speech, Romana Deckenbacher cited Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. She emphasised the need for accessible workplaces, inclusive education, workplace assistance and job coaching. Inclusion is not a voluntary measure, but an integral part of a just society. She highlighted the Austrian model of disability representatives. At the start of the conference, attendees observed a minute's silence in memory of the victims of a school shooting in Graz on 10 June. Politicians were prohibited from attending in an official capacity owing to the three days of national mourning.
The EU Strategy “Union of Equality: Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2021-2030” was cited as a key guideline. The objective is to achieve a self-determined life and political participation for all.
Cultural contribution and keynote speech:
The inclusive band Mundwerk, whose members include persons with disabilities, provided the musical accompaniment.
Nico Forchthammer (alias Viking Biking) impressed the attendees with his presentation “(Almost) anything is possible”. Despite his physical limitations caused by juvenile rheumatism, he has managed to complete challenging mountain tours on a special scooter and reported on the start of his professional career in the Federal Office of Metrology and Surveying. His motto: “If you have a vision, it’s amazing what you can do.”
Day 2 – Thursday, 12 June 2025:
Keynote speech:
Heike Eder, ÖVP (Austrian People's Party) National Council member and former Paralympic competitor, spoke of her path from a serious skiing accident to becoming a political spokesperson for people with disabilities in “Courage to Change”. Her message: “Set goals, stand up, grow.”
Legal and operational frameworks:
Christine Steger, the federal disability advocate, presented the legal situation of people with disabilities in Austria. The main legislation covering this is the Federal Disability Equality Act and the Disability Employment Act. Approx. 120,000 people are currently recognised as having “privileged disabilities”, and enjoy special protection against dismissal. Companies with more than 25 employees are required to employ at least one person with a disability or to provide a compensation payment.
Gerald Nimführ, GÖD (Public Service Union) Head of Department for Disability, Law and Health and disability spokesperson of the FCG (Christian Trade Union Group) Federal Board explained the Austrian model of disability representatives. Similar to works councils, they have comprehensive information and participation rights. They are central contacts in companies, despite some practical challenges.
International insights:
Jurga Kupryte, Director of SOPA (Social Employment Agency) in Lithuania, reported on the challenges faced by people with disabilities in the Lithuanian labour market. Her organisation primarily supports long-term unemployed people with disabilities, based on the US and Canadian “supported employment” model.
Magdi Birtha from the European Centre for Social Policy and Research in Hungary presented data from the European labour market, which found that persons with disabilities are disproportionately subject to unemployment. There is a vast amount of untapped potential here to secure skilled workers. Legal measures across the EU are urgently required.
Michael Pichler, Director of the Zero Project Austria / Essl Foundation, presented innovative international best practices. The aim of the Zero Project is a world without barriers, focusing on education, employment, accessibility and political participation. He stressed that inclusion makes sense both socially and economically.
Panel discussion
The panel discussion with Jurga Kupryte, Michael Pichler and Vesko Mitov (PODKREPA (confederation of labour), Bulgaria), covered the formulation of political demands for the EU and national governments, in particular to bolster inclusion measures, data collection and social dialogue.
Additional contributions:
Yuri Kurylo, President of the Ukrainian trade union VOST VOLYA, reported on the precarious situation of trade unions in Ukraine during the ongoing war. However, efforts are being made to negotiate collective agreements and works agreements.
In his lecture “Democracy in Danger” Andreas Gjecaj, President of the Catholic Action Styria, proposed seven theses to strengthen democratic structures through dialogue, solidarity and credible sources.
Day 3 – Friday, 13 June 2025:
Country reports:
Arjola Alika, Vice President of the Albanian trade union BSPSH, presented Albania’s EU accession process. Trade unions are playing an active role in the reform process. The aim is to join the EU by 2030 with a focus on digitalisation, energy, economy, justice and human capital.
Vesko Mitov, International Secretary of PODKREPA, analysed the new EU directive on the minimum wage. This is a major success for the trade unions, particularly in countries with weak collective bargaining agreements, such as Bulgaria. The objective is to strengthen wage transparency and social dialogue.
Jovita Pretzsch from the Lithuanian trade union LPS, addressed the topic of artificial intelligence and trade union representation. The first discussions on the regulation of AI took place in 2018. The unions are demanding fair participation and protection for workers, including in the digital transformation.
Closing speech:
ÖZA President and FCG Federal Chair MP Romana Deckenbacher thanked the speakers and participants attending the conference and looked back on the diverse contributions and moving stories. She emphasised the importance of inclusion, democratic co-determination and political participation, and the role of trade unions in creating fair working conditions and comprehensive accessibility. The challenges are great, both in Europe and around the world. Deckenbacher appealed to everyone to work together to protect workers’ rights, learn from each other and to ensure that nobody is left behind. She particularly stressed the relevance of artificial intelligence: the question isn’t whether, but how it will be integrated into the world of work. AI must be seen as an opportunity for greater accessibility and participation. To conclude, she stated that she was looking forward to the next KGZ conference in Vilnius, Lithuania, on "Artificial Intelligence".
Key conclusions:
The 36th KGZE demonstrated with impressive force that inclusion is a concern for society as a whole and the building block for a fair future. The conference theme “People with disabilities as a valuable part of society in Europe – inclusion in the workplace and in democratic processes in the company”, revealed the crucial role of participation for a functioning democracy and social justice.
Persons with disabilities have a right to work, education and a life in dignity not on the margins, but at the centre of our society. Their perspectives, skills and potential enrich our working world and shared existence. Inclusion is not an additional task, but a central investment in a fair, equal future in Austria and Europe.
The conference provided valuable input through inspiring life stories, practical recommendations and clear demands directed at politicians, social partners, trade unions and companies. Persons with disabilities must have access to an inclusive working environment that is tailored to their needs in accordance with the European Pillar of Social Rights (Principle 17).
Progress has been made, for example, through regulations on the employment of disabled people, wage subsidies and protection against dismissal. However, structural and cultural barriers still exist. Key areas of action include to:
Strengthen inclusive education and qualification
Promote inclusive recruiting
Expand personal assistance in the workplace
Make investments in accessibility attractive
Design accessible counselling services and communication
Make an inclusive corporate culture visible
Increase the number of persons with disabilities employed in the public sector
Collect reliable data on integration into the labour market
Initiate campaigns to raise awareness
Digital transition offers additional opportunities for greater participation. Trade unions in Austria and Europe are determined to pursue this path until inclusion is standard practice.