Overview
- CSU leader Markus Söder proposed increasing full-time schedules by one hour per week to bolster pension financing, citing Switzerland’s longer 42-hour average versus Germany’s 40.2.
- The SPD rejected the plan, with economic policy spokesperson Armand Zorn arguing that higher output should come from technology and investment rather than blanket longer hours.
- Employer associations and conservative economic voices backed the idea, saying additional work would raise prosperity and strengthen social security contributions.
- Trade unions and the Hans-Böckler-Stiftung warned of social costs, with IG Metall’s Christiane Benner emphasizing work–life balance and SPD deputy Siemtje Möller pointing to record levels of paid and unpaid overtime.
- Analyses suggest the change equals about a 2.5% rise in hours—roughly 41 extra hours a year—with uncertain effects on wages and growth depending on contracts and demand, and no legislation has been introduced.