A recent survey reveals widespread opposition among members of the IG BCE, a major industrial trade union representing workers in mining, chemicals, energy and related sectors, regarding the German government’s proposed overhaul of working hours regulations. The survey, conducted between August 1st and September 7th and involving 4,808 members, indicates that over three-quarters (77.2%) view the planned transition from a daily to a weekly maximum working hours limit as “rather negative” or “very negative.
The results suggest a strong preference for the current system, with more than half (54.7%) of respondents expressing that their existing working time models already provide a sufficient or high degree of flexibility. Furthermore, the survey found that almost 70% of IG BCE members disagree with remarks made by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, advocating for increased productivity and longer working hours among German employees.
Michael Vassiliadis, the IG BCE’s chairman, characterized the government’s proposal as “superfluous” in an interview with the Handelsblatt newspaper, adding that it represents an outdated perspective that could negatively impact both individual health and workplace safety. He highlighted concerns about the potential consequences for workers in industries such as chemicals, pharmaceuticals, rubber, plastics, paper and energy.
The planned labor law reform is scheduled for further discussion this Tuesday, with Federal Labor Minister Bärbel Bas hosting representatives from both employer associations and trade unions to deliberate on the specifics of the proposed changes. The survey results underscore the challenges the government faces in gaining support for the reform within a key industrial workforce.