Mercedes-Benz chair calls for 40‑hour work week in Germany

Martin Brudermüller, chair of the Mercedes‑Benz supervisory board, has urged a return to a 40‑hour work week in Germany, arguing that the current 35‑hour standard raises labour costs and erodes the country's industrial competitiveness. He said Germany can no longer afford the high wage bill without extending working hours, noting that wage cuts are not a viable alternative. Brudermüller linked the proposal to an ageing population and the need for longer life‑working time, adding that work provides structure and purpose for people.

The call comes amid broader European debate on work‑time models, with some countries experimenting with shorter weeks while others consider extensions to boost productivity. In Germany, the issue is expected to surface in upcoming collective bargaining rounds for the metal and electrical sectors, which include the automotive industry.