German Trade Union Federation’s Leader Criticizes the New German Government’s Labor Reforms
The head of the German Trade Union Federation, Yasmin Fahimi, has sharply criticized the new German government’s labor reforms, particularly its proposal to reduce working hours. Fahimi argued that the government’s intentions are misguided and instead of addressing the real issues, it is seeking to legalize questionable business models.
She pointed out that the real problem lies in the lack of rest periods in the hotel and hospitality industry, as well as the long hours worked by sub-contractors in the package delivery service, where employees often work 12-hour shifts. “It’s not about giving employees more flexibility, but rather about legalizing these questionable business models” Fahimi said in an interview with the Rheinische Post.
Fahimi also criticized the government’s claim that Germany’s working hours are in line with the European Union’s average, citing a high percentage of part-time workers in the country. She attributed this to the fact that care work, which is still disproportionately shouldered by women, is a major factor in the high part-time work rate.
The trade union leader emphasized the need for a comprehensive reform of the care sector, more child care options and a reform of the spousal splitting of taxes to support families with children. “We need a care reform and more child care options. We also need to set new tax incentives: we need a reform of the spousal splitting of taxes for future families, not just life partnerships, but especially parents with children” Fahimi demanded.