Grief for Karl Dürtscher: Fighters for employee rights died

Grief for Karl Dürtscher: Fighters for employee rights died

grief and dismay in the union landscape about the sudden death of Karl Dürtscher. The current chairman of the independent union faction in the ÖGB (UG), Marion Polaschek, expressed her deep sympathy for the relatives and companions on May 26, 2025: inside the deceased. Dürtscher was a formative figure in the trade union movement, most recently as the federal manager and chief negotiator of the GPA. His competence, as well as his experience and collegiality, will often be discussed in the coming days, according to Polaschek, the Dürtscher as an authentic fighter for the rights of employees: described inside.

The native Schruns, born on January 17, 1961, made a name for himself through his many years of commitment for employees: inside rights and the social partnership at eye level. As the GPA reports on its website, Dürtscher began his professional career in 1976 with apprenticeship training as an office clerk. His career finally led him over various positions in the union of private employees to the top of the GPA.

professional career and commitment

Dürscher has taken on numerous functions in the course of his impressive career. At the beginning he worked in the trade section and later held significant offices as deputy senior secretary and regional manager in the Vienna region. From 2017 he became deputy federal manager of the GPA and a year later he took on the role of the federal manager. In addition to these positions, he acted in different functions in other institutions, such as the GPA housing association and was an active member of the Chamber Council in AK Vienna, which has existed since 1995

Dürtscher's commitment to the rights of employees: Inside and his conviction of a social partnership, the central elements of his professional life are emphasized. He was passionate about the advocacy of employees: inside and has left a lasting impression.

a legacy in the context of the trade union movement

statements about Dürtscher's work in the trade union movement are not only isolated cases. In its history, the DGB describes the development of the unions from the hard conditions of the 19th century to the challenges of today. This responsibility and striving for better working conditions form the core of what continues to drift the union movement.

at a time when the rights of the employees are increasingly under pressure, Dürtscher's legacy remains as a passionate representative of the employees: alive inside. His sudden death leaves a gap, but also an obligation to continue the path taken. The unions must continue to stand up for social justice and fair working conditions to master the challenges of the present and future.