Ferda Ataman, the federal anti‑discrimination commissioner, has issued harsh criticism of the CDU‑economic wing’s proposed reforms to part‑time work. In an interview with the “Rheinische Post” (Saturday edition), she said that “most people who work part‑time are women”. She added that those women do not work part‑time to enjoy more leisure time but because they care for relatives or look after children. In many cases, their caregiving duties make them work more hours than many men do. “Part‑time sounds like a luxury, but for most women it is a difficult job” she warned.
Ataman rejected the proposal from the Mittelstandsunion, which in its initial draft carried the title “No Right to Lifestyle Part‑Time”. She argued that the measure would not help more women enter full‑time employment. “Instead of easing women’s lives, it forces them to justify themselves before the chancellor’s party because they cannot work full time” Ataman said.
She said that attempting to address Germany’s labor shortage with this approach only generates new problems. “Women are not motivated by such accusations; they are further pushed out of the workplace. Those who can afford it already say ‘I’m not doing it,’ and many hope the initiative will be buried over the weekend” she explained.
Ataman highlighted that the German workforce is fundamentally oriented toward men. “We see this, for example, in how home office, flexible hours, and part‑time work are viewed as luxuries. It is also evident that part‑timers are more often discriminated against: they are seen as less competent and engaged, and are frequently overlooked for promotions and bonuses” she added.
She called for action against this discrimination, noting that Germany’s labor shortage is closely linked to the marginalisation of women in the labour market. “If you want to attract more workers, you must dismantle discriminatory practices” Ataman concluded.