PRESS RELEASE Working Hours Debate: Don’t Jeopardize Worker Protection

The social partner dialogue on the Working Hours Act convened by the Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs (BMAS) has concluded. The German Trade Union Federation (DGB) and its member unions continue to firmly oppose the planned weakening of the Working Hours Act and the abolition of the eight-hour workday.

The dialogue has shown that the Working Hours Act works in its current form. The planned changes would only cause chaos and lead to legal uncertainty. Flexible work schedules have long been a reality—through collective bargaining agreements negotiated jointly by employers and unions. Weakening the Working Hours Act, however, would create more burdens rather than greater flexibility: employers would gain expanded powers, while protections for employees—especially those not covered by collective bargaining agreements—would be curtailed. This represents a break with the tradition of social partnership and a step backward in the world of work.

Anyone who wants to create more jobs and address the shortage of skilled workers must remove the actual barriers to increased employment. A recent DGB survey shows that when employees want to work more, it is not the Working Hours Act that stands in their way, but rather rigid company procedures and resistance from supervisors. Employers themselves are thus the biggest obstacle to flexible work. Other important factors include reliable child care and a better long-term care infrastructure. Instead of extending the maximum daily working hours, employees need more control over their working hours. This is especially true for women, who often work part-time. Many of them are willing to increase their working hours but need the right conditions to do so.

The DGB and its member unions are calling on the federal government not to give in to pressure from employer associations. The health of employees and protection against burnout are top priorities.