Overview
- DGB Bayern called for employees to receive the next working day off when a public holiday lands on a weekend, citing the loss of a rest day for many who do not work Saturdays.
- Allerheiligen falls on a Saturday this year, and the union says more holidays will hit weekends in 2026, including Mariä Himmelfahrt, 3 October, Allerheiligen and the second day of Christmas.
- DGB state leader Bernhard Stiedl argued that over 85 countries, including the United Kingdom, the United States and Poland, already offer substitute days and that Germany should follow suit.
- The Vereinigung der Bayerischen Wirtschaft rejected the idea as a case of ‘less work’ in a difficult economic period, arguing Germany already has many days off and warning it would dilute holidays’ original purpose.
- The union framed the proposal as beneficial for employers too, saying better-rested staff are healthier, more motivated and more productive.