Large-scale assault on the labor hours legislation initiated by the Union and the Social Democrats (SPD)
Heads up! The ongoing debate about modifying the Working Hours Act in Germany just won't quit. The union and SPD are gunning for it, and while the economy is backing the proposal, there's a storm of criticism from trade unions and progressive forces. So, the question on everyone's lips – what's the beef?
It's not the eight-hour day under attack, as many believe. Nah, the real target is the ten-hour maximum daily work limit. In fact, the eight-hour norm, although in the Working Hours Act, has never been applicable due to the five-day workweek norm that was never legally regulated. Confusing, huh? Well, the daily eight hours are based on working six days a week, making for a 48-hour weekly limit. But we're already at 40 hours on average over five days. So employees can technically work up to 9.6 hours for five days.
The government wants to roll out weekly maximum working hours rather than daily, towards the European Working Time Directive. In other words, the ten-hour daily limit, not the eight-hour one, is the real issue here. Sure, some might call it nitpicking, but it's got deeper implications than you'd think.
The SPD's designated general secretary, Tim Klußendorf, claimedworkers would appreciate the flexibility to work four extended days and have a free Friday. But let's break it down: that's already possible with the current setup! Seems like Klußendorf is either misinformed or pulling a fast one. He's using examples where changes aren't even necessary to create the illusion of progress.
However, it's not just government officials trying to deceive the public. As trade unionists, we must also ponder whether it's wise to wax romantic about the eight-hour day attack when it's only been legally enforceable for the five-day workweek. For many workers, it matters less whether it's nine hours or ten – or maybe even 13!
Why 13, you ask? Because the European Working Time Directive has a sneaky daily rest rule. Although it's not explicitly defined, there are 11 hours of rest every day. So do the math – 24 minus 11 equals 13.
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Employers stand to gain significantly from the new possibilities. For instance, in manufacturing, where unavoidable setup times take 30 minutes each at the start and end of processes, it's more appealing to have a 12-hour productive window instead of a 9-hour one. In retail, it'd be possible to cover entire opening times with one shift instead of two, cutting down on operating costs.
But it's not just flexibilization for employees' benefit; it feels like a full-on attack that we need to clearly recognize and communicate to colleagues. The time for trade unions' leniency towards the former social democratic SPD is over. We need strong resistance across the board – be it at the workplace, parliament, or on the streets – to prevent this attack from gaining traction. Any MP who votes for this legislative change is our enemy.
Taro Tatura, a trade unionist and head of the Fachbereich B at ver.di's Hamburg regional branch, keeps it real.
The ongoing debate revolves around the proposed change in the Working Hours Act, focusing on the ten-hour maximum daily work limit rather than the eight-hour day. (policy-and-legislation, politics)
Despite Trade Unionists' claims about an attack on the eight-hour day, it's only legally enforceable for the five-day workweek, and many workers are indifferent towards the difference between nine hours or ten. (general-news)
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