2Radhandel: Extension of short-time work necessary

2Radhandel: Extension of short-time work necessary

"The importance of the motorized two-wheeler sector, including the entire value-added network, is underestimated: it generates at least 2.9 billion euros in sales per year, which corresponds to around 0.89% of GDP. 41,000 people find work in this area. One in every 9 Austrians owns a motorized two-wheeler. Figures (Ecconomica Institute for Economic Research) show that this is a very important economic sector, more important than one would generally assume," says Ferdinand Fischer, spokesman for the 2-wheel trade of the Austrian Chamber of Commerce. 

Because the two-wheeler trade is the worst hit industry (note from F. Fischer: "The two-wheeler trade conducts 70 - 80 percent of its business (sales and orders for later delivery) in the period from approximately mid-March to mid-June."), Fischer is calling for an extension of short-time work until March 15, 2021. "Then our season begins and those who have made it there have the chance to continue running their company."

In addition, Fischer, together with other 2Radhandel colleagues, submitted an application to the Constitutional Court. "It is incomprehensible that hardware stores are allowed to open, but 2-wheel shops that have over 400m² of sales space are not. Hardware stores have a much longer season than 2-wheel stores and, due to the significantly higher customer density, also have a much higher risk of infection. This decision is therefore incomprehensible and a clear violation of the principle of equality."