Yasmin Fahimi Stands Firm on Working Hours Act Amid Government Proposals
DGB Chairman Fahimi Issues Warning Over Proposed Changes to the Working Time Act - DGB Chair Fahimi States: Keep Your Paws Off the Labor Hours Legislation
Yasmin Fahimi, the boss-lady of DGB, has given a big ol' middle finger to plans by future federal governments that aim to loosen up labor regulations, particularly on working hours. During the central DGB rally in Chemnitz on Labor Day, she put employers on the hot seat, claiming they've played a significant role in the economic muck our country's in.
"It's high time we talked more about the bosses' performance readiness in this country," she shouted. "Where was their entrepreneurial spirit and balls-to-the-wall attitude at the locations?"
"And let's not forget, it wasn't just politics that brought about this economy crash and the risk of jobs," she continued. "Bad management decisions played a big part too."
Fahimi sticking it to Union and SPD
The Black-Red coalition plans to create a golden ticket for a weekly working time cap instead of a daily one, as stated in their agreement. Current safety standards and resting regulations are to remain in place.
"Enough with the chatter that people are slacking off, lazy, that they simply have to work more," Fahimi declared. "So, we say it loud and clear: We want an 8-hour day instead of the hamster wheel. And that means: Keep your paws off the Working Hours Act."
Millions of overtime hours, many unpaid, show just how much stress workers are feeling. And those who work for free? Yeah, they're scuffling an important chunk of their pay. The Working Hours Act should be there to protect against overwork, but right now, workers can clock in up to 60 hours a week according to it.
Scholz on workers' rights and strong unions
Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz, in charge of business matters, backed the workers' cause. "There are still far too many who work hard for too little," the SPD politician wrote on the platform X. "That's why I support fair wages. And I support strong unions. They're vital for our country's social harmony. That's what it's all about on May 1st!"
May 1st, ya'll, that's the Day of Struggle of the Workers' Movement, and it's a day to protest all over the world. Here in Germany, it's a national holiday.
Trade unions up the ante
Trade unions and other orgs organized a whopping number of rallies and events all across Germany. The DGB urged workers under the "Strengthen Yourself with Us!" slogan to unite for higher wages and better working conditions and encouraged them to join a union. Fahimi outlined several key demands in Chemnitz.
Investment package: The DGB's happy about the debt-funded 500 billion euro special fund for infrastructure initiated by Union and SPD. They advocate for an investment push in rail and transport, schools, digitalization, and public administration, but with a few conditions. Economic stimulus needs to be tied to long-term employment and location loyalty promises.
Works council: "Stop the obstruction of works councils! It's about time these roadblocks are criminalized in our country," Fahimi demanded. Those who obstruct works councils are, in her view, attacking the fundamental rights of employees.
Tariffidelity Law: DGB Chairperson Yasmin Fahimi championed a genuine tariffidelity law. Implementing this law would ensure that public contracts only go to companies signed up to collective bargaining agreements, making a ban on taxpayer-funded wage and social dumping a reality.
Pension Without Speculation Risk: DGB seeks a permanent stabilization of the pension level to, at the very least, 48 percent. "Until 2031 ain't enough," said Fahimi. She warned against saddling pensioners with the risk of investing their old-age provision in the stock market.
Social harmony: Fahimi stressed the importance of social stability and legal certainty, stating that Europe is the answer to America's "First" policy. "We won't let ourselves be divided by big tech oligarchs," she asserted.
- Yasmin Fahimi
- DGB
- Germany
- Working Time Act
- Chemnitz
- Federal Government
- SPD
- Working Time Regulation
- Employers
- Olaf Scholz
- Crisis
- Coalition Agreement
- Yasmin Fahimi, the head of DGB in Germany, has fiercely opposed proposals by potential future federal governments to ease labor regulations, especially concerning working hours, during a rally in Chemnitz.
- In the coalition agreement, the Black-Red coalition plans to provide a weekly working time limit instead of the daily one, while maintaining safety standards and resting regulations.
- Yasmin Fahimi called for an 8-hour working day instead of the current 60 hours allowed by the Working Hours Act, emphasizing the need to protect workers from overwork.
- Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who is responsible for business matters, advocated for fair wages and strong unions, stating that they are crucial for social harmony in Germany.
