CNV

Brussels, 28 March 2011 - In the morning of Sunday 27 March our very dear colleague and friend Richard Paiha passed away after a short and intense sickbed at the age of 72.

For many years Richard Paiha worked in the trade union movement in Austria. First as Secretary in Lower-Austria and from 1990 to 1999 as Secretary of the GPA and Fraction Secretary of the FCG/GPA. During these years he was a critical and clear voice and represented the workers-interests with all his heart.

Richard Paiha had a strong believe in the Social-Christian values which was very clear in his compassion with people who did not have the most basic means. His strong social involvement was not limited by country-borders. Up until the end he continued his work as Member of the Board of both the Hans Klingler Stiftung and the Verein Solidarität mit Lateinamerika. For many years Richard Paiha also worked for the World Federation of Clerical Workers – WFCW (now World Organization of Workers – WOW). In his function as Member of the Board of the WFCW he was, like in Austria, a critical voice who was averse from all forms of unfair and unequal treatment. Additionally, he had a great interest in the people of Central and Eastern Europe in general and the situation of workers and the development of strong trade unions in particular. 

The strong commitment he displayed in his work was inspiring for all who worked with him. All who have known or met Richard Paiha have lost a valuable colleague and a great friend. But even more so the world has lost an irreplaceable man. 

The World Organization of Workers – WOW would like to convey our deepest sympathy to his wife, his family and all his loved ones. We wish them all a lot of strength in coming to terms with their loss. Our thoughts are with you.

Roel Rotshuizen
president of the World organization of Workers