Push to Extend German Workweek to 48 Hours Meets Resistance from Health Experts

Almost half of German employees already regularly log more than eight hours per day, according to data from the Economic and Social Science Institute (WSI). The research institute says roughly 43 percent of workers routinely exceed the traditional daily limit — and many report exhaustion. Labor expert Elke Ahlers warns that loosening daily caps could backfire. “Removing daily boundaries might prove counterproductive for both productivity and health,” she said, noting older employees would be particularly affected.

Against this backdrop, the conservative Union bloc — which includes the CDU and CSU — is pressing for a fundamental shift in how Germany regulates working time. Jens Spahn, the parliamentary group leader, demanded the SPD follow through on coalition agreements that envisage replacing the daily maximum with a weekly one. Under the proposal, the ten-hour daily ceiling would remain in place, but the weekly limit would rise to 48 hours. “Flexibility is essential for economic growth,” Spahn argued over the weekend. CDU colleague Günter Krings backed the call, urging the Social Democrats to honor the deal. Employer associations have praised the plan as long-overdue deregulation.

The SPD is not outright opposed but has set conditions. Party politician Bärbel Bas signaled willingness to negotiate — but only if employees are onboard. She insists any reform must be paired with systematic recording of working hours. Fellow SPD member Jan Dieren stressed that “worker self-determination must be the priority” and pointed to binding EU rules requiring an eleven-hour rest period. The Greens are open to more flexibility but want the eight-hour day preserved as a minimum protection standard. The Left party and the AfD reject the proposal entirely.

While Germany debates how best to protect workers from excessive hours, UK employers face their own set of health and safety compliance obligations — from risk assessments to fire safety and COSHH documentation. Keeping everything up to date can be a challenge without the right tools. The free Health & Safety Toolkit provides ready-to-use templates, checklists, and toolbox talks designed to help you meet UK regulations and protect your team. Download the free Health & Safety Toolkit

Work psychologist Laura Venz dismissed the entire debate as “a sham discussion built on false assumptions.” She called for genuine flexibilization that meets employees’ real needs. A reader survey by the Schwäbische Post underscores the split: 46.7 percent of respondents still consider the eight-hour day appropriate, 18.5 percent prefer a four-day week or free time management, and only 5.4 percent would accept longer shifts.

Unions are mobilizing. The GEW Hessen has called for a demonstration in Kassel on June 20, protesting not only the work-time reform but also potential cuts to occupational safety and plans to raise the retirement age. The German Trade Union Federation (DGB) plans a central rally in Berlin on June 27, demanding investment rather than cuts to the welfare state. The message: flexibility yes — but not at the expense of workers’ health.

en | boerse | 69544886 |