Whistleblower Protection Act

With the Whistleblower Protection Act (HSchG), the Republic of Austria has implemented the EU Whistleblowing Directive into national law. The HSchG defines who qualifies as a whistleblower, how whistleblowers are protected, and which companies are required to establish and operate internal reporting channels.

The HSchG stipulates that companies with at least 50 employees, as well as companies operating in so-called sensitive sectors (e.g., financial services, public procurement, environmental protection, etc.), must establish an internal reporting office.

Whistleblowers are protected under the provisions of the HSchG against workplace retaliation, such as dismissal, suspension, pay cuts, and disciplinary actions.