Trade Unions Threaten Strikes Against Planned Weakening of Working Time Act - Germany's Controversial Plan to Scrap the Eight-Hour Workday Sparks Backlash

The German government is planning major changes to the Working Time Act. Under the new rules, the daily eight-hour limit would be replaced by a weekly maximum. Trade unions and parts of the ruling coalition have already voiced strong opposition to the proposal.

The reforms aim to give businesses, particularly in tourism and hospitality, more flexibility. But critics warn the shift could put workers' health at risk and weaken long-standing labour protections.

The proposed changes come from the government's National Tourism Strategy. Instead of the current eight-hour daily cap—extendable to ten hours with averaging over six months—the new system would set a weekly limit. This would allow longer shifts on some days, balanced by shorter ones on others, while keeping the EU-mandated 48-hour weekly average.

The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs wants the reforms in place by the end of the year. Overtime bonuses would become tax-free, and one-time payments for expanding part-time hours would also receive tax benefits. Initially targeted at tourism, the changes could later apply to all sectors. A draft bill is expected in early 2026, with full implementation planned for the same year.

Industry groups have pushed for years to relax working time rules. Christoph Ploß, the government's coordinator for the reforms, claims the changes will help small and medium-sized businesses in tourism and hospitality. But unions see the move as an attack on workers' rights.

Frank Werneke, chair of the Ver.di union, argues that longer shifts could harm employees' health. Robert Feiger, head of IG BAU, insists the eight-hour day is a key pillar of social justice. Even within the government, the Green Party has spoken out against the proposal, creating further resistance to the plan.

The government's push to reform working hours faces significant hurdles. Unions have already threatened protests and strikes if the changes go ahead. With opposition from both labour groups and coalition partners, the path to implementation remains uncertain.

If passed, the new rules would mark a major shift in German labour law. Businesses would gain more scheduling freedom, but workers could see their daily limits stretched further than before.