German Labor Law Changes Face Union and Political Resistance

CDU/CSU and SPD coalition negotiations continue over proposed Arbeitszeitgesetz revisions, drawing criticism over worker health and safety concerns.

The CDU/CSU and SPD propose replacing daily working hour limits with weekly caps, aligning with EU directives, to address labor shortages and increase flexibility.
Labor unions, led by the DGB, warn the changes could result in 13-hour workdays, jeopardizing worker health and undermining rest protections.
The proposed revisions include tax incentives for overtime and part-time work, which critics argue could disproportionately affect women and precarious workers.
The SPD and CDU/CSU remain divided on key implementation details, such as electronic time tracking and exceptions for Sunday work.
Opposition parties, including the Left Party, criticize the proposals as a threat to the eight-hour workday, a historic labor movement achievement.