Merz is planning working time revolution: Abolition of the eight-hour day!

Merz is planning working time revolution: Abolition of the eight-hour day!

Berlin, Deutschland - Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) and the government coalition from the Union and SPD are considering a fundamental reform of working hours in Germany. A departure from the traditional working day, which currently includes a maximum of eight hours, is planned in exceptional cases up to ten hours. Merz argues that Germans work less than other nations and leads the high proportion of part -time work as a reason. This project encounters split opinions among the population. According to an IPSOS survey, 46 percent of the Germans support the abolition of the eight-hour day, while 44 percent are against this changeover, such as the Merkur reported.

The survey shows interesting differences: 64 percent of the FDP voters and 59 percent of the CDU/CSU supporters support Merz's plans, while only 29 percent of the left supporters are. The opinion of the SPD supporters is divided with 47 percent approval. Gender differences show that 49 percent of men and 43 percent of women support the plan. In terms of education levels, 55 percent of the higher educated supports the abolition, while approval in medium -sized formation is 42 percent and 41 percent at low education.

flexible working time models

Flexible working time models, such as flexitors, working time accounts and teleworking, are becoming increasingly important. Such models offer workers the opportunity to largely design their working hours themselves. For example, a quarter of employees in Germany have working time accounts, while 10.7 percent use flexitime. In 2010, 37.8 percent of employees worked in flexible working time models, with only 60.4 percent rigid regulations. One note that women with 36.9 percent and men with 38.6 percent are represented in flexible models. The Statistical Federal Office emphasizes the challenges in certain professions, especially in craft and in service professions, where only 21.4 percent enjoy flexibility.

The employers' associations support the demands for flexibility in working hours. At a public hearing in the Bundestag, they pleaded for the introduction of a weekly instead of a daily maximum working time. A weekly working time of a maximum of 48 hours would be conceivable without increasing regular weekly working hours. These adjustments could help to better reconcile work and private life, which is a frequently discussed need to counteract the shortage of skilled workers. The Bundestag has emphasized in its recent hearings that flexibility of working hours is already possible, but it was also pointed out to the health concerns that could bring such a changeover.

summary of opinions and concerns

The opinions about the planned reform are shared. While many employers see flexibility as an advantage, union representatives warn of higher burdens for employees. Critics indicate that the current options for flexible working time are already sufficient. They also emphasize the need for fixed plans to ensure the compatibility of work and private life. What is certain is that the discourse on the future of the working day in Germany will be managed intensively and that many questions remain open.