Representatives of university employees who belong to the group of benefited disabled persons

Disability Representatives

Disability Representatives and their deputies (short: DRs) represent the interests of university employees who belong to the group of benefited disabled persons (official term “Zugehörigkeit zum Kreis der begünstigt behinderten Personen”; short: KdbB).

Wackelige Brücke über Abgrund

Please note: Not every holder of a disability card also has the “Feststellungsbescheid*”  – this must be applied for separately from the ‘ Sozialministeriumservice’!
* “Feststellungsbescheid” = Assessment of eligibility for the group of persons with disabilities receiving benefits ( Kreis der begünstigt behinderten Personen; short: KdbB)

  • What do Disability Representatives do for me?
    The DRs take care of the economic, social, health and cultural interests of the disabled employees of the University of Salzburg who belong to the KdbB. Specifically, they have the following tasks:
     
    > They ensure compliance with the labour law provisions of the Disability Employment Act (“ Behinderteneinstellungsgesetz”).
    They ensure,
    >> that the university, as an employer, takes into account the disabilities and chronical illnesses of its employees
    >> that there is no discrimination
    >> that the special protection against dismissal for people from the gbdp is observed,
    >> that the entitelment of additional leave is granted,
    >> that the workplaces for employees from the gbdp are designed to be barrier-free.

    > They support the university in fulfilling its duty of care.
    > They report any perceived shortcomings to the works council, the rectorate and, if necessary, the labour inspectorate, and work to have these shortcomings remedied.
    > They make suggestions on topics such as employment, trainings and further education, as well as occupational and medical rehabilitation measures.
    > They draw attention to the special concerns of colleagues with disabilities/chronic illnesses.
    > They are entiteled to participate in an advisory capacity in all meetings of the works councils.
    > They provide support in any case of problems with superiors and/or colleagues (conducting discussions and jointly searching for solutions).
    > Once a year, it is possible to convene a meeting of all employees who belong to the group of benefited disabled persons.

  • What rights do the Disability Representatives have?
    The works council for academic staff and the one for general staff are obliged to assist the Disability Representatives in fulfilling their duties and to provide them with the necessary information.
    Similarly, the University of Salzburg, as an employer, is obliged to consult with the Disability Representatives, provide them with necessary information and actively support them in their work.
    The University must provide premises and other material resources necessary for the DRs to perform their duties.
    The DRs are not subject to instructions and are bound by confidentiality regarding trade secrets. They are entitled to the necessary time off with continued payment of remuneration and to educational leave. In addition, they are protected against dismissal and termination – dismissal or termination is only legally effected if the competent labour and social court gives its prior consent.

  • How does the election of the Disability Representatives work?
    If there are at least 5 employees belonging to the “Kreis der begünstigt behinderten Personen” at the university, a Disability Representative and deputies are elected from among them. A special feature at the university is that, as with the works council, a distinction is made between academic and general staff, i.e. one Disability Representative is elected for the general staff and one for the academic staff, plus their deputies – provided that at least five persons with disabilities are employed in the restrictive area. The number of deputies (min. 1, max. 3) depends on the number of persons represented in the respective area.
    The election of the DRs is usually held together with the works council elections. Due to retirements and a higher number of employees belonging to the KdbB, an extraordinary by-election can be held. Further information will be sent to eligible voters by email.
    The term of office is normally five years. The next regular election will take place at the end of 2026.
    The provisions of the Labour Constitution Act on the conduct and contesting of elections apply.

  • Who is eligible to vote and who can be elected?
    Employees of the University of Salzburg belonging to the “Kreis der begünstigt behinderten Personen”, have both active and passive voting rights, i.e. they can vote for their DRs and stand for election themselves.
    Those employees with disabilities who are employed by the University on the day the election is announced and on the day of the election are eligible to vote.
    Those employees with disabilities who have been employed by the University for at least six months on the day of the election and who are at least 18 years of age are eligible to stand for election.

  • How can I become active and become a Disability Representative?
    If you belong to the “Kreis der begünstigt behinderten Personen”, are employed at the University of Salzburg and are interested in standing for election as DRs or deputy (for academic staff or general staff), please contact the current Disability Representative.
    To help you grow into your role and responsibilities as a DR, you can take part in the  DR training course offered by the ÖGB. In additon, annual follow-up training courses are offered.

More information you can find here (websites in german language):

(Foto: Mustafa Akin on Unsplash.com)