Martha Schultz: WKO members to feel savings by early 2028

The Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (WKO) is embarking on a significant reform aimed at achieving substantial savings, with a target of 100 million euros by 2030. Martha Schultz, a key figure in this reform, announced that the core elements will be presented to the Wirtschaftsparlament (Economic Parliament) next week, following an agreement with the regional chambers on the savings goal.

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Much has already become public; everything will be presented there in summary. Above all, there is an agreement with the provincial chambers on savings of 100 million euros by 2030.

This ambitious savings plan necessitates difficult decisions, including a reduction of 200 out of 800 employees at the WKO's headquarters. Schultz described this staff reduction as "unavoidable." The federal chamber will contribute 36 million euros to the savings goal by lowering the contribution rate (Kammerumlage 2) for member businesses from 0.12% to 0.10%. This reduction will directly decrease member contributions, with the exact amount depending on the regional chamber's share.

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In the 'Stammhaus' on Wiedner Hauptstraße, you can see where the journey is heading: From July 1, my general secretariat will be halved to two people, and then there was the painful announcement that we will have to part with 200 of the 800 employees. That was unfortunately unavoidable.

Regional chambers will also contribute to the overall savings based on their size and membership. Vienna is expected to see the highest reduction. Staff cuts are also anticipated in regional chambers, with Upper Austria already announcing that 50 positions will not be refilled. The savings will be achieved through a balance of personnel and material cost reductions.

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We in the Federal Chamber will lower the Kammerumlage 2 from 0.12 to 0.10 percent. This already reduces member contributions, because the respective state share is added to this federal chamber share. For us in the Federal Chamber, this reduction means savings of 36 million euros for entrepreneurs.

Schultz indicated that while the full 100 million euro savings target will be reached by 2030, members of the federal organization can expect to feel the initial impact of the reduced contribution rate starting in early 2028. Beyond financial restructuring, the WKO is also reforming its service offerings and internal structures, aiming to streamline its 1,200 services. Transparency measures are also a priority, with plans to make data and facts more accessible and easier to find.

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For us, it is roughly balanced – the 36 million in savings will be achieved approximately half from personnel and half from material costs. That is anything but easy, I say that quite honestly.