Union leader opposes changes to working hours regulations - Union head opposes changes to work hour regulations
In the heart of Europe, Germany is contemplating a significant shift in its labour laws. The proposed reform of the Working Time Act aims to bring more flexibility to the modern workforce, moving from a strict daily maximum working time (historically the eight-hour day) to a maximum weekly working time model. This change, advocates argue, would better fit the digital age and the evolving demographic landscape.
The German Employers' Association (BDA) and government officials, such as Economy Minister Katharina Reiche, have voiced their support for the reform. They argue that a maximum weekly working time regulation is more suitable for the digital age, emphasizing the need for more flexible working hours. Minister Reiche has publicly called for Germans to work longer hours and for longer careers, citing demographic pressures and the need to address issues in social security and pension systems.
However, trade unions and employee representatives, including the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB), strongly oppose this reform. They express concerns over potential erosion of worker protections and work-life balance, warning that longer working hours could harm employee well-being. The DGB also opposes raising retirement ages and insists that pension funding issues should be addressed financially, rather than by extending working hours.
As of mid-2025, the government coalition has announced its intention to reform the Working Time Act. However, substantial opposition from unions remains, and the exact legislative progress or final form of the reform is not yet detailed. The public debate is ongoing, sparked in part by government officials’ comments advocating longer working hours to meet demographic and economic pressures.
Notably, the head of the Industrial Union of Mining, Chemistry, and Energy (IG BCE) has stated that he will bring the question of the flexibilization of working time before German and European courts. Yasmin Fahimi, the chairwoman of DGB, argues that abolishing the regular eight-hour day would ignore the reality of employees, as many already work numerous overtime hours, many of them unpaid.
The coalition's proposed reform could potentially ignore the reality of employees who work numerous overtime hours. On the other hand, the possibility of a weekly maximum working time is proposed in the interest of better reconciling family and work. Social partners already agree on flexible working hours in thousands of collective agreements.
Industry, however, may have already exhausted the possibilities for flexibilization. The reform of the Working Time Act could further divide the workforce, according to Michael Vassiliadis. Trade union leader Michael Vassiliadis opposes the reform, citing increased accident risks after the eighth hour of work, particularly in industries like chemical manufacturing. He has threatened possible legal action against the reform of the Working Time Act.
The coalition between Union and SPD aims to create a possibility for a weekly maximum working time, in line with the European Working Time Directive. Rainer Dulger, the president of employers, calls for a swift reform of the Working Time Act, stating that a weekly maximum working time fits better into the age of digitalization.
In summary, the proposed reform of Germany's Working Time Act is a contentious issue, with employers and government officials advocating for increased flexibility and economic competitiveness, while trade unions and employee representatives emphasize the importance of maintaining current work-life balance laws and protecting workers' rights. The debate continues, with potential legal challenges on the horizon.
EC countries may find the German Working Time Act reform as a model for vocational training initiatives in industries, given the shift towards a maximum weekly working time model and the potential benefits it could bring to the digital age. Finance and business leaders should be aware of the ongoing debate in Germany, as the reform could impact the industry's long-term competitiveness and impact employment practices, such as vocational training opportunities and work-life balance.
