Federal Employment Minister Bärbel Bas (SPD) urges caution in implementing a weekly rather than daily maximum working hours system. “Before we make any laws, we will consult with the social partners” Bas told the newspapers of the Funke Media Group (Monday editions). “I hear that companies also have issues with a weekly working time – especially regarding timekeeping.”
According to the coalition agreement, a weekly maximum working time is meant to replace the eight-hour day. Bas made it clear that this was not the SPD’s idea. She referred to another passage in the coalition agreement, stating that no one should be forced to work longer hours against their will and that work protection would be maintained.
In response to appeals, such as the recent call from Baden-Württemberg’s Minister President Winfried Kretschmann (Grüne), that Germans should work more in times of crisis, Bas said no. “I know many people who work and still have to go to the office” said the minister. “Telling them they are lazy and need to work more is not my style.”
However, Bas also rejected calls for a four-day week. “I would like a four-day week, but it’s unrealistic” she said. “We have a shortage of skilled workers – especially in overburdened sectors like care.