As President of the Austrian Federation of Trade Unions (ÖGB) and member of the WIFO Board (2006 to 2008), Hundstorfer always advocated an evidence-based policy and independent economic research. "He was always anxious to put the common before the divisive and managed to overcome ideological divides with his problem solving and objective style", said Badelt, who expressed his deepest condolences to all relatives and friends.