Overview

• Union and SPD coalition negotiations propose shifting Germany's Arbeitszeitgesetz to a weekly working hour cap, aligning with EU labor directives.
• The Deutscher Gewerkschaftsbund (DGB) strongly opposes the changes, warning of potential 13-hour workdays and increased worker exhaustion.
• Current law limits daily working hours to 8, with exceptions up to 10 hours; the proposed reforms would remove daily caps while retaining an 11-hour rest period.
• The SPD advocates for safeguards like electronic time tracking and evaluations after one year, while the CDU seeks less regulation and broader exceptions to work restrictions.
• Proposed tax incentives for retirees and part-time workers aim to encourage extended work hours, raising concerns about undermining existing labor protections.