Merz plans to abolish the eight-hour day: What does Germany think?

Merz plans to abolish the eight-hour day: What does Germany think?

The world of work in Germany could soon be turned upside down. Chancellor Friedrich Merz has presented plans to abolish the established eight-hour day. Instead, a maximum weekly working time should be introduced, which is already a hotly debated topic for many employees. A recent survey shows that the majority of the population is not convinced by this reform. According to Merkur, 73 percent of employees reject unlimited daily working hours.

The economic debate is ignited on various fronts. While employer associations and some business representatives support the move, unions and many employees are skeptical about the proposal. Many fear increased pressure on families and health risks due to longer working hours. A study by the Hans Böckler Foundation even shows that working days could be extended to up to twelve hours and 15 minutes. This news is not exactly optimistic, considering that Germany's average working hours of 40.2 hours per week are already quite high compared to other countries, even if the part-time rate pushes the number down to 34.8 hours.

Survey results in detail

The opinions of Germans are diverse. An Ipsos poll finds that 46 percent support maximum weekly working hours, while 44 percent are against it. In another Yougov poll, 38 percent support this reform, while 20 percent oppose it and 37 percent remain neutral. As fr.de points out, 63 percent would be willing to work an hour more per week in order to retire a year earlier. In contrast, the surveys also show that only 22 percent would accept a later start to retirement in order to maintain the eight-hour day.

The planned reform is met with strong criticism. For example, Verdi boss Frank Werneke describes the plans as a “bad joke” and warns of the pressure that longer working hours could put on employees. CDU General Secretary Carsten Linnemann, on the other hand, emphasizes that making working hours more flexible for young people and families is crucial in order to strengthen the work-life balance.

The health risk

The health implications of this reform are another critical point. Experts warn that increasing working hours could endanger not only productivity but also health. Nils Backhaus from the Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health emphasizes the need for rest breaks and urges caution.

In conclusion, it remains to be said that the discussion about working time reform in Germany is only at the beginning. The federal government has presented plans to introduce maximum weekly working hours, but details of the new rules are still unclear and must first be discussed with employers and unions. Are Germans prepared to change their working habits for more flexibility, or will skepticism remain overwhelming? All of this will make the next few weeks and months exciting, and citizens can only hope that the decisions are in the interests of the employees. Currently, surveys show that many are struggling with uncertainty and a feeling of being overwhelmed as they look to the future.