A child is born, a father needs care, the attic needs to be converted: There are many things in life that take up more time than full-time employees have. What can be done?
For employees in the metal and electrical industries, there’s already a provision for this: IG Metall’s latest collective bargaining agreement guarantees the right to reduced working hours. Starting in 2019, there will also be a general provision established by law: bridge part-time work. This also allows for reduced working hours for a specified period.
Here’s how bridge part-time work works:
Step one: Submit an application
Anyone who wants to take advantage of bridge part-time work must notify their employer in writing (for example, by email). This must be done at least three months before the desired start date. The application must specify how long the part-time period is to last. The minimum is one year; the maximum is five years. Only employees who have been with the company for at least six months can take advantage of bridge part-time work. The application does not need to include a reason
Step Two: Approval
The employer must notify the employee in writing of the decision regarding the bridge part-time request no later than one month before the planned start date. If the employer fails to do so, the request is deemed approved: Working hours are then reduced as requested by the employee. Employers may reject requests for bridge part-time work for operational reasons. The new law mandates a discussion: Employers must discuss the request for part-time work with the employee.
Restriction: Bridge part-time work applies only to companies with more than 45 employees. In companies with more than 45 but fewer than 200 employees, only one in every 15 employees may transition to bridge part-time work.
What to do if the employer rejects the request for bridge part-time work?
Employers may refuse a request for bridge part-time work if it would significantly disrupt work processes or compromise safety in the workplace, or if it would result in high costs. Employees should carefully review any refusal and seek advice from the works council or the local IG Metall office.
Can I end the bridge part-time arrangement early?
There is no legal entitlement to do so. However, voluntary agreements are possible. Employees have the right to a meeting if they wish to change their working hours.
How long can I work under the bridge part-time arrangement?
The new part-time work law provides for periods ranging from one to five years. However, if the employer and employee agree, they may also agree on other time frames. Unions and employers may also do so via a collective bargaining agreement. The same applies to works councils via a works agreement.
What will part-time work cost me?
Your pay will decrease in proportion to the reduction in working hours. Your pension benefits will also decrease because lower contributions are paid. Part-time employees are entitled to the same hourly wage as full-time employees.
What happens to my vacation entitlement?
If you spread your part-time work over five weekdays—that is, if you work every regular workday—you are entitled to the same amount of vacation time as full-time employees. If you take full days off, your vacation entitlement is reduced accordingly.
This applies to certain employee groups:
Fixed-term employees
For the duration of their employment contract, fixed-term employees are also entitled to bridge part-time work.
Apprentices
Bridge part-time work does not apply to apprentices. However, they generally have the option to complete their apprenticeship on a part-time basis (“part-time vocational training” pursuant to Section 8 of the Vocational Training Act or Section 27b of the Crafts and Trades Code). The training objective must then be achieved within the shortened timeframe.
Temporary agency workers
Temporary agency workers are entitled to bridge part-time work. However, this entitlement applies not to the client company but to their temporary staffing agency.
Older Employees
Older employees can also take advantage of bridge part-time work. They can use it, for example, to bridge the gap to retirement.
Bridge Part-Time or Shortened Full-Time: Which Should I Choose?
Employees working in a company in the metal and electrical industries that is bound by a collective bargaining agreement do not need to rely on the new bridge part-time arrangement. In these companies, the most recent collective bargaining agreement with IG Metall applies, and with it, “reduced full-time work.” This means employees can reduce their working hours to up to 28 hours. Reduced full-time work has advantages over bridge part-time work: for example, it can be used multiple times in a row. Furthermore, there are no restrictions for small and medium-sized businesses. And most importantly: The collective bargaining agreement is implemented directly by IG Metall and works councils. A specific procedure for this is laid out in the collective bargaining agreement. Possible grounds for refusal by employers are also clearly defined. In the worst-case scenario, employees must fight for the “bridge part-time” arrangement on their own in labor court.
