In an "official statement" to the APA, the situation for employees is described as "currently very difficult."

"Due to the ongoing change process since last year and the associated restructuring, the need for consultation with the works council has noticeably increased. It often becomes apparent that this change process is inadequately communicated and accompanied by management," said works council chairwoman Marianne Novotny-Kargl on behalf of the committee.

Sandbichler Defends Herself

On Thursday afternoon, the currently on sick leave director of Schloss Ambras, Veronika Sandbichler, who initiated the case, rejected statements made by the KHM management in a press conference. "Since March 2025, I, together with my team, have developed comprehensive content, strategic, and structural concepts as well as concrete proposals for measures and presented them to management in numerous meetings," she defends herself in a statement against the accusation of lacking willingness to change. "Substantial feedback or decisions on this were absent; likewise, a serious willingness for a further constructive discussion."

The decline in visitor numbers at Schloss Ambras was only 12 percent in 2024, while ticket revenues increased by 16 percent. Sandbichler mentions two official warnings in October 2025 and January 2026, which were factually unfounded and "from my perspective, instruments of intimidation." The first concerned a planned visit by Presidents Steinmeier and van der Bellen, about which she was not informed, and the second is related to the payment of an annual bonus to an employee.

(APA/Red)

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