# German working hour regulation reform debate > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/german-working-hour-regulation-reform-debate > Updated: 2026-08-09T05:23:57.000Z. Sources: 34. Developments: 2. Debate has intensified in Germany regarding the modernization of working hour regulations, specifically focusing on transitioning from a daily maximum to a weekly cap. Employer representatives, including Rainer Dulger and Nikolas Stihl, are advocating for reforms to increase flexibility and competitiveness. Dulger has specifically advocated for a shift toward a weekly maximum of 48 hours, arguing that current laws are outdated—comparing them to the “era of Telex and rotary dials”—and noting that weekly models in countries like Italy and Belgium do not necessarily lead to higher sickness rates. Stihl has called for discussions regarding the extension of working hours without additional wage compensation within the metal and electrical industries to help mitigate industrial job losses. This follows similar calls from Mercedes-Benz leadership to return to a 40-hour week. The German Trade Union Confederation (DGB) remains in strong opposition. DGB Vice Chairman Stefan Körzell warned that attacking the eight-hour day could represent a “regression into the 19th century,” while official Anja Piel has warned that transitioning to a weekly limit could effectively legalize 13-hour workdays, increasing the risks of physical exhaustion and accidents. The DGB maintains that any reforms must be strictly tied to collective bargaining agreements to ensure that work models are negotiated at the workplace level rather than through blanket legislation. Following coalition agreements, Federal Labor Minister Bärbel Bas is expected to present a legislative proposal in the fall regarding the creation of possibilities for flexible weekly rather than daily maximum hours. ## Claims - The German government plans to introduce a law reform regarding working hours in the fall. (corroborated by 8 sources) - Employer President Rainer Dulger proposes adopting a 48-hour maximum weekly working time in Germany, aligning with EU directives. (corroborated by 6 sources) - DGB board member Anja Piel demands that any introduction of a weekly working time model must be tied to collective bargaining agreements. (corroborated by 5 sources) - DGB Vice Chairman Stefan Körzell warns that attacking the eight-hour day is dangerous. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Nikolas Stihl calls for an extension of working hours in the metal and electrical industry without wage compensation to reduce labor costs. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Employer President Rainer Dulger argues that the current German working time laws are outdated and do not account for modern technology or childcare needs. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Dulger argues that Italy and Belgium have 48-hour weekly limits but lower sickness rates than Germany. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The German Working Hours Act currently limits daily work to eight hours. (corroborated by 2 sources) - There is a proposal to abolish telephone-based sick notes and require a doctor's certificate from the first day of sick leave. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-09: Germany labor debate intensifies over working hours reform German employers and unions are clashing over proposed labor reforms, including a shift toward a 48-hour weekly maximum and the potential end of the standard 35-hour week in certain industries. 32 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/germany-labor-reform-employers-push-for-48-hour-weekly-maximum ### 2026-08-06: AUB e. V. Calls for Weekly Working Hours Model in Germany AUB e. V. proposes a weekly 48‑hour work‑time cap in Germany, replacing daily limits, to reflect modern cross‑border and remote work, urging uniform application across all firms. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/aub-e-v-calls-for-weekly-working-hours-model-in-germany --- Cite as: German working hour regulation reform debate. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/german-working-hour-regulation-reform-debate