The Austrian Federal Chamber of Labour (AK) strictly rejects the new principle of "priority for SMEs" in the SME relief package, because prioritizing SMEs raises fears of negative effects for all other interests (consumers, employees, climate, etc.) and thus no balance with other policy areas is possible.

The definition of SMEs, which covers more than 99% of all companies, is also problematic. Easements and exemptions therefore affect almost all companies, which could significantly delay the achievement of important political goals. However, proposals such as harmonization with regard to late payments, targeted support within the framework of STEP and increased efforts by the Commission with regard to the shortage of skilled workers are positive.