Police test new working hours
Starting September 1, 174 police officers in Gänserndorf, Lower Austria, will begin testing a major new system for organizing police working hours. All 13 police stations in the district will take part in the trial.
The new Dienstzeitmanagement (working-time management) is intended to create a more consistent and flexible system for police officers across Austria. The Gänserndorf district was chosen because it includes both densely populated areas near Vienna and rural communities, as well as border police operations in Marchegg.
The reform is designed to give officers greater input into their schedules, improve long-term planning and provide more opportunities for time off. It also introduces shorter shifts and an Überstundenpool (overtime pool), while the controversial traditional 24-hour shifts are being phased out under the new model.
The changes have already caused concern among police representatives, particularly over possible income losses. Officers who work fewer overtime hours could earn less, although they would potentially gain more free time. The government and police representatives have therefore been negotiating safeguards and compensation for affected employees.
Gänserndorf has now reached the practical testing stage after a two-month simulation period. During the simulation, authorities identified some minor technical problems. Landespolizeidirektor Franz Popp said the real-world trial will show how the system performs and stressed that adjustments can still be made if problems arise.
The district is one of five Austrian pilot regions testing the reform. The others are Linz, Wien-Brigittenau, Bregenz and Leibnitz. Together, the pilot project covers around 1,500 police employees across 63 locations, with the results expected to influence the future nationwide implementation of the new system.