Some time has passed since our last newsletter. But not because we were inactive; quite the opposite: a lot has happened!
New name – same mission
IG24 is now called: “IG24 – Initiative für Gerechtigkeit in der Personenbetreuung in Österreich“ (IG24 – Initiative for Justice in Personal Care in Austria).
With the new name, we are making visible what we are about: justice.
For almost 57,000 caregivers who work under precarious conditions in Austria – often invisible, but essential to the system – and also for those in our care and their families, who need good care.
Our work remains loud, solidary, and persistent.
We would like to share with you a few selected events from the past few months. You can find all the latest news on our website.
1. Counseling
Counseling colleagues is one of IG24’s core activities. The goal of our advisory services is to provide support with challenges in everyday work, but also to take legal action against labor and human rights violations.
We also develop comprehensive information materials.
A multilingual team, consisting of supervisors and supporters, advises colleagues digitally, in person, and by phone – supported by a digital advisory platform. We are increasingly being contacted by relatives and have also created a brochure on this topic.
Are you interested in joining our advisory team? We look forward to welcoming new members! Contact us by email at
2. The Good Council has made a decision and thus made an important contribution to the continued existence of IG24
In June 2024, the “Good Council” decided on the redistribution of Marlene Engelhorn’s inheritance. 25 million euros went to 77 projects and organizations. IG24 was one of them. This will allow us to continue our work under easier conditions for the coming years. Since then, consultation hours have been funded, the association’s administration has been professionalized, and our office space can now be financed. We are relieved and grateful for this donation!
3. Violence, exploitation, isolation – our reality made visible: our study “Making the invisible visible” in November 2024
The study, conducted by FORBA in cooperation with IG24 and involving over 1,400 colleagues, shows:
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Almost half of those surveyed have experienced violence in the workplace
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– many of them sexual harassment.
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91% of us cannot negotiate our fees ourselves.
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Only 19% get a day off per shift.
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Many suffer from isolation, overwork, and lack of sleep.
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And: Many of us are afraid to report grievances – for fear of losing our jobs.
These results make it clear: We work in a system that does not protect us, neither from violence nor from exploitation.
4. Round table at the Romanian Embassy
The results of the study attracted considerable attention. In March 2025, the Romanian Embassy in Vienna, together with IG24, hosted a round table discussion. The Ministry of the Interior, violence protection centers, and the Chamber of Commerce attended. There, we presented the study results on violence in caregivers – and emphasized the urgent need for protective measures. One success of the round table is that IG24 has now been involved as a stakeholder in the development of a catalog of measures by the Ministry of Social Affairs.
5. New Videos on Violence and Sexual Harassment
In the Migracare project, we have created new informational videos – by caregivers, for caregivers. They are available on our website with subtitles in Slovak and Romanian. These videos address questions such as:
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What is violence and what can I do?
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Where can I get help – even in my language?
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How can I protect myself without risking my job?
6. Employment instead of exploitation – Care4Care
In January 2025, we demonstrated at the Care4Care conference: There are other ways.
Together with partners from Romania and Slovakia, we discussed what a fair and realistic employment model for personal caregivers could look like.
Results of our study conducted in cooperation with LEFÖ:
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Employment is possible – and is already being practiced in some cases.
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This employment model offers many advantages: collective bargaining agreements, vacation entitlement, continued pay during sick leave, and protection against dismissal.
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The Home Care Act allows up to 294 working hours in 14 days, including on-call time. On-call time is not considered working time – this is inhumane and needs to be regulated differently!
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Good employment requires reliable sponsoring organizations, not profit-oriented agencies.
Demands in our policy paper:
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Right to fair working hours and wages, social security, and legal protection
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Flexible shift models, including live-out options (living outside the home of the person being cared for)
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State funding and oversight instead of the proliferation of placement agencies
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International cooperation to ensure fair conditions begin at the moment of departure
Our message is clear: There are viable alternatives – but political will is needed.
7. Caregiver Cafés turn theater into a space for storytelling, learning, and being together
On July 15, we hosted a special caregiver café together with InterAct: The forum theater “Shared Life” focused on our stories. Actors brought our experiences to the stage: situations from everyday life in 24-hour care – stressful, touching, often unfair.
With music, humor, openness – and the opportunity to intervene: “What would you do?” was the central question that invited the audience to think along, empathize, co-create, and search for solutions together.
We will develop scenes from your everyday life together – and bring them to the stage in November. Because our experiences must finally be brought out of the darkness of the private household and into the public eye!
Together we are stronger
Do you work in 24-hour care and want to escape isolation?
Come join us!
At IG24, caregivers from across Austria are organizing for better working conditions, respect, and their rights.
Whether you have questions, need support, or want to get actively involved:
Get in touch!
We listen, we help—and we fight together!