Sunday rest in danger? Post is testing delivery on non-working days!

Sunday rest in danger? Post is testing delivery on non-working days!

On February 28, 2025, as part of the International Day of Non-Working Sundays, the Caucus of Christian Trade Unionists in the GPA expressed concern about increasing efforts to undermine the non-working Sunday. Wolfgang Pischinger, chairman of the FCG/GPA, emphasized the “unprecedented” regulation in Austria, but warned of the danger from foreign companies and especially from Österreichische Post AG, which has been testing a pilot project for Sunday delivery since November. “People need a predictable recovery time,” said Markus Hiesberger, Federal Managing Director of the FCG/GPA, and pointed out the negative effects of Sunday work on health and leisure activities.

How The press reported that from October 6, 2025, the post office will also deliver parcels on Sundays in some districts of Vienna. If things go well, this service will be expanded to the whole of Vienna and other large cities in the first half of 2026. Walter Oblin, designated general director of Post AG, emphasized that this is not only an advance in the industry, but also meets market requirements. The post office uses external transport companies and offers employees a Sunday surcharge.

Trade unions warn of negative consequences

The union representatives see this test project as a serious threat to the non-working Sunday. Hiesberger made it clear: “We will not be extending daily working hours or Sunday work.” The Sunday off is not only a question of labor law, but also has an impact on the environment through lower energy costs and less traffic. The debate over Sunday work highlights the tensions between the needs of a modern market and workers' rights to guaranteed rest time.