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German working hour regulation reform debate

Updated 4 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

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2026-08-10 04:35 UTC → 2026-08-10 15:46 UTC · added removed

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 Dulger has specifically advocated for a shift toward a weekly maximum of 48 hours, arguing that current laws are outdated—comparing them to the "era “era of Telex and rotary dials"—and dials”—and noting that weekly models in countries like Italy and Belgium do not necessarily lead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 “regression into the 19th century," 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.

Versions

  1. 2026-08-10 15:46 UTC German working hour regulation reform debate
  2. 2026-08-10 04:35 UTC German working hour regulation reform debate
  3. 2026-08-10 03:21 UTC German working hour regulation reform debate
  4. 2026-08-09 23:17 UTC German working hour regulation reform debate
  5. 2026-08-09 08:34 UTC German working hour regulation reform debate

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