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ECCG March 2014. Consumer Policy of the Austrian Chamber of Labour. Gabriele Zgubic Austrian Chamber of Labour.
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ECCG March 2014 Consumer Policyofthe Austrian Chamberof Labour Gabriele ZgubicAustrian Chamberof Labour
Main non governmental consumer organisations in Austria:- Austrian Chamber of Labour - Austrian Consumer AssociationSpecial issues organisations e.g.: - Motorists Association - Tenant organisations - Credit counseling and debtor education ECCG March 2014 Gabriele Zgubic Austrian Chamberof Labour
ECCG March 2014 Alternative Dispute Resolution Bodies:Special issuesorganisationsestablishedbytheindustry, bylaworpublicentitieseg:patientrights, telecom, railroad, air passenger rights, housing, energy, dentists, usedcars, internet, dating- andmarriageagenciesNew: Model ADR Body- currentlyfinancedbytheministryofsocialaffairs, financialparticipationoftheChamberof Labour verylikely Gabriele Zgubic Austrian Chamberof Labour
ECCG March 2014 Main governmentalresponsibility - MinistryofSocialAffairs - Ministryof Justice Gabriele Zgubic Austrian Chamberof Labour
ECCG March 2014 Austrian Chamberof LabourThe Federal Chamber of Labour represents together with the nine Chambers of Labour in each Austrian province the interests of 3.4 million employees and consumers in AustriaAll employees are subject to compulsory membershipThe Austrian Chamber of Labour is part of the Austrian social partnership – together with the Austrian Trade Union, Austrian Chamber of Commerce and Chamber of Agriculture Gabriele Zgubic Austrian Chamberof Labour
ECCG March 2014 Main tasks • Fundamental research for the benefit of our members • Representation of the interests of our members in certain political fields • Evaluation of draft legislation, making proposals for amendmentsand subsequently involvement in the implementation of these laws • Services • Office in Brussels Gabriele Zgubic Austrian Chamberof Labour
ECCG March 2014 Consumer policyAdvices p.a. ca 400.000Consumer policy activities together with stakeholders, events, publication of position papers and opinions, participation in ministerial working groups in case of proposed new legislation, cooperation with BEUCInformation, sample letters, studies, brochures, youtubeclips, apps, comparisontoolsegforbankingservices, telecomproviderand PR activities Gabriele Zgubic Austrian Chamberof Labour
ECCG March 2014 Comparisontoolbankgiroaccount Gabriele Zgubic Austrian Chamberof Labour
ECCG March 2014 Youtubeclipguarantee Gabriele Zgubic Austrian Chamberof Labour
ECCG March 2014 Traffic light forfood – cerealsfor breakfast Gabriele Zgubic Austrian Chamberof Labour
ECCG March 2014 www.akeuropa.eu: Position paperairpassengersrights Gabriele Zgubic Austrian Chamberof Labour
ECCG March 2014 Consumer policyLegal assistance ranging from interventions to free representation of consumers in courtGroup action against unfair contract terms and violation of the law against unfair competition Market and price surveillanceMember (and substantial financier) of the Austrian Consumer Association; chair of the supervisory board Gabriele Zgubic Austrian Chamberof Labour
ECCG March 2014 Main Activities2013/14Conference on plannedobsolescence in June 2013About50 studiesandpricecomparisonsegpricesforfoodanddrugstoreproducts, telecomcharges, analysisof KIIDs forinvestmentfunds, monitoringofbankingfees, interestratesforsavingsaccountsandcostofloans, rentalfeesPublicationofthe „Report on thesituationofconsumers 2011/12“ togetherwiththe Austrian Consumer AssociationCampaignagainst high rentalfeesforresidences; ia online questionnaire („Check yourrentalfee“); opinionsurveyregardingburdenofthecostofrentingforyoungemployees, signaturecampaign, intensive PR activities – aim: limitationofrentalfees Gabriele Zgubic Austrian Chamberof Labour
ECCG March 2014 Main Activities 2013/14Collectingclaimsofinvestorsofcorporatebondsissuedby an Austrian construction firm whichgotbankrupt – about 800 retailinvestorsareparticipatingActiveparticipation in newlegislationprocess at national and EU level – eg CESL, PRIPS, IMD II, PSD, dataprotection, air passenger rights, packageholidays, implementationof Consumer RightsDirective, ADRImplementation oftheprogrammeofthenew Austrian governmentregardingconsumerprotectioniadedicationofpenaltiesimposedbytheantitrustcourt in favourof Austrian Consumer Assocation Gabriele Zgubic Austrian Chamberof Labour
ECCG March 2014 Whatwedo not : producttests Austrian Consumer Assocationmagazine „Konsument“ Gabriele Zgubic Austrian Chamberof Labour
ECCG March 2014 Successandinfluenceofconsumerorganisationsdepends on thepoliticalenvironment, commitment, expertise, creativityand– essential – ressourcesTherefore also forconsumerorganisations a principleapplies:Money counts Gabriele Zgubic Austrian Chamberof Labour
ECCG March 2014 Thankyouforyourattention Gabriele Zgubic Austrian Chamberof Labour