A faction within the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), the CDA (CDU Workforces), is calling for stringent regulations to accompany planned reforms to Germany’s working hours laws. Their position, articulated in a paper titled “Principles for Attractive Working Time Policy” warns against overly relaxed regulations and emphasizes the need for safeguards to protect employees.
The paper expresses concerns that increased flexibility could lead to tangible disadvantages in certain professions. Specifically, sectors such as healthcare, trades and hospitality require careful consideration to ensure any adjustments to weekly maximum working hours do not circumvent mandated rest periods.
CDA Chairman Dennis Radtke stated the need for balance, cautioning against a “creeping deregulation” of working hours. He stressed that current protections should remain in place for roles involving repetitive tasks, while recognizing that not every hour worked outside of traditional hours requires strict adherence to legal rest periods.
The push for working hours reform originated within the CDU and was integrated into the current coalition agreement. As a first step, representatives from employer associations and trade unions are tasked with formulating joint proposals. The coalition also intends to introduce a mandatory electronic recording of working hours, aiming for a streamlined and efficient implementation. Current regulations generally stipulate a maximum daily working time of eight hours and a minimum rest period of eleven hours between workdays, though exceptions already exist.
Radtke insisted that further liberalization should only occur with the consent of employee representatives. The paper advocates preserving the eight-hour daily maximum working time as a fundamental principle, permitting longer hours only with the approval of the works council and a corresponding agreement from the employer. For workplaces without a works council or collective bargaining agreements, existing regulations should remain unchanged.
The CDA also demands transparent and reliable time recording in the workplace, arguing that such a system is essential to effectively protect employee rights. The party’s social wing emphasizes that both flexibility and time recording must be addressed together to ensure fair and protected working conditions.