German SPD Moves to Extend Daily Work Hours, Union Leaders React

The governing coalition in Germany, led by the Social Democratic Party (SPD), is set to revise the eight‑hour workday provision in the coalition agreement, replacing the daily limit with a weekly maximum of 48 hours and permitting longer daily shifts such as ten‑hour days with compensatory rest.

The proposal has provoked criticism from trade unions and the SPD’s youth wing. Juso leader Philipp Türmer called it a “insult”, and DGB congress speaker Bärbel Bas warned it would betray the historic achievement of the eight‑hour day. Unions argue the change would primarily benefit employers and jeopardize low‑protected workers, while some commentators suggest greater flexibility is needed for modern work patterns.