Overview
- The CDU/CSU–SPD coalition is advancing a reform to swap the statutory daily limit for a weekly maximum reportedly set at 48 hours, which HSI calculates could allow workdays of roughly 12 hours and 15 minutes.
- HSI researchers warn that routinely exceeding eight hours increases risks of stress‑related illness, burnout and physical health problems, countering claims that longer days can be offset by shorter ones.
- A WSI/Hans‑Böckler‑Stiftung survey of more than 2,000 employees finds nearly three quarters expect longer days to harm recovery, family life and daily organization, with fewer than one in ten anticipating benefits.
- Study authors caution that deregulation could worsen gender inequalities by adding to women’s unpaid care burdens and potentially slow gains in female employment.
- Employer groups such as the Bavarian industry association back a weekly cap for flexibility, while unions and researchers press for safeguards, and the proposal remains under discussion rather than enacted law.