The President of the German Chamber of Industry and Commerce (DIHK), Peter Adrian, has advocated for the elimination of the Whit Monday public holiday and proposed an increase in working hours for employees.
Speaking to “Bild am Sonntag” Adrian expressed concern over stagnant productivity levels within the German economy. He highlighted a significant disparity when compared to other OECD nations, noting that German employees currently average approximately 1,350 working hours annually, significantly below the OECD average of 1,750. “This represents a difference of 400 hours and we need to address this” he stated.
Adrian suggested that removing one public holiday – specifically mentioning Whit Monday – could be a potential solution. Acknowledging that this proposal may be unpopular, he emphasized the need for open discussion on the subject.
Furthermore, Adrian underscored the importance of increased full-time employment within Germany, particularly for women. He argued that improved childcare infrastructure would be crucial in facilitating this shift, enabling more individuals to secure full-time positions and contribute to economic growth.