When the Economy Cuts Back, FLINTA*s Pay the Price
We hear it almost every day right now: the labor market in Austria and Germany is under pressure. Layoffs are piling up across industries, from manufacturing to media, from retail to the social and NGO sectors. Maybe you or someone close to you has already been affected. At the same time, governments are tightening their budgets, and companies are cutting costs. These are not easy times.
For FLINTA*s, crises like these often mean more than “just” unemployment: added care responsibilities, income pressure, and insecurity.
When Cost-Cutting Costs Jobs
Many organizations are currently talking about “downsizing for stability.” But not everyone is affected equally. Jobs in the social, education, and healthcare sectors – where women and queer people are overrepresented – are particularly at risk. When cuts happen here, we don’t just lose jobs. We lose the very structures that provide FLINTA*s with stability, income, and visibility in society.
While billions in stimulus funding flow into industries like technology and defense, investments in social infrastructure are missing. The social and health systems are expected to support more and more people, but with fewer resources. (For example: in Vienna, where children have had access to full-day free childcare since 2009, there is growing talk of cutting back this essential resource.)
Structural Inequality Makes Layoffs Unequal
FLINTA*s are more likely to work part-time, on temporary contracts, or in lower positions within organizations. This means that when layoffs happen, they’re disproportionately affected. Add to that the gender pay gap: those who earn less to begin with have fewer savings, less flexibility, less security. Unemployment then hits not only the bank account but also self-esteem… especially in a society that still ties personal worth so closely to paid work.
When the (Male) Partner Loses His Job: Double Burden for FLINTA*s
Unemployment never affects just individuals; it affects entire households. When a (male) partner loses his job, many FLINTA*s see their daily lives change dramatically. Alongside the loss of a significant portion of household income come emotional and organizational burdens. Many continue to shoulder most of the care work, provide emotional support, and at the same time try to fill the financial gap through extra hours, side jobs, or giving up their own needs.
In heterosexual relationships, this often means: the unequal distribution of care work deepens while financial pressure increases. This too is part of the labor market crisis – just the part that rarely gets talked about.
It’s Not You – It’s the System
If you’re affected, or afraid you might be soon: this is not your fault. It’s the result of political decisions, structural inequalities, and an economic system that chronically undervalues care work and social professions. FLINTA*s are especially vulnerable – not because they do less, but because the structures around them offer less support and protection.
That’s why visibility, solidarity, and financial self-determination are more important than ever. We all deserve security!
What You Can Do Now: 4 Steps to Protect Yourself
Even if you’re (still) employed, you can start preparing: financially, legally, and emotionally. Here are four concrete tips:
🧾 Build a financial buffer, as soon as you can!
If possible, set aside three to six months’ worth of income as an emergency fund. Even small, regular contributions count. A separate savings account helps ensure that the money stays untouched.
📚 Secure and expand your qualifications
Further training is the best protection against structural insecurity. Take advantage of (still available) funding programs or free online courses, especially in digital or high-demand fields. The public employment services (AMS/Job Center) also offer many training options. And of course, FLINTA*FIN is here to support you with our workshops.
💬 Know your rights and seek support
Find out about your entitlement to unemployment benefits, severance pay, and possible funding. Reach out to the Chamber of Labor, unions, or independent advisory services. They can help if you feel treated unfairly or need guidance during the transition. Never sign anything before you’ve had professional advice.
💜 Connection over isolation
Talk to colleagues, friends, and FLINTA* networks. Unemployment can be isolating, but solidarity is empowering. Especially in times of upheaval, mutual support makes all the difference.