Overview

• The SPD and Union coalition plans to revise Germany's Working Hours Act, replacing the 8-hour daily limit with a flexible weekly maximum, potentially allowing shifts of up to 13 hours.
• Proponents argue the reform could provide greater flexibility by enabling workers to condense workweeks into fewer days, offering more free time overall.
• The DGB, led by Yasmin Fahimi, strongly opposes the changes, warning they could lead to exploitation of workers without strong union representation and increased health risks.
• Critics highlight that the reform undermines the 1918 labor protection law that enshrined the 8-hour workday, a cornerstone of worker rights in Germany.
• The proposal aligns with European labor directives but has sparked fears of eroding established rights and creating a precedent for overlong workdays without adequate safeguards.