Pension reform 2026: Employer in duty - older employees required!

Pension reform 2026: Employer in duty - older employees required!

Österreich - The discussion about the pension reform in Austria has gained intensity in the past few weeks. Finance Minister Markus Marterbauer criticizes the employers for the fact that, despite an obvious need for older workers, they only do a few of these employees. According to 5min , the minister thinks about a "bonus-malus system" to promote the employment of older people. However, there is currently no agreement within the government.

This discussion takes place against the background of a planned pension reform, which provides for numerous changes from 2026. From June 1, 2025, health insurance contributions for pensioners will be increased from 5.1 to 6 percent. At the same time, from January 1, 2026, the earliest possible starting age for the corridor pension from 62 to 63 years increases, which is done by gradual raising in quarters. The necessary insurance years increase from 40 to 42 years so that there is a right to the full pension. This should be considered in response to the demographic changes in which there are more older people and fewer young people. According to Austria Aktuell the reform measures are necessary to relieve the state treasury.

Criticism of employers and demands for reforms

The Industrial Association (IV) has called for the age of 70 years to raise the age of 70, inspired by the example of Denmark. However, this requirement is critically seen by the Chamber of Labor (AK), since such an increase is classified as inconceivable. A central concern is to introduce the partial board that enables 50 percent of the pension and work at the same time. This could be particularly interested in people over 60 years, since an incentive and monitoring system for the employment of this age group is also introduced, confirms orf .

A look at the numbers illustrates the urgency of the reform: there are currently around 2.5 million pensioners in Austria, and by 2045 an increase will be forecast to approx. 3.25 million. To ensure the financing of the pensions, around 30 billion euros have to be paid out of the state budget annually. A sustainable mechanism for pension financing should therefore be decided in the course of this year.

further measures and reactions

The discussion about the reform is polarized. The FPÖ and the Greens reject the reform and criticize them as a "stress attack" to the older generation. However, a broad consent for the necessary constitutional provisions that are required to implement the reform currently does not seem to be in sight. Experts see the reform as a first step, but criticize the insufficientness of the measures.