Germany debates replacing eight-hour day with weekly cap

Germany's eight-hour working day, introduced in November 1918, could be replaced by a weekly limit under proposals being debated by the coalition government. Chancellor Friedrich Merz has called the reform "overdue", suggesting that working 12 hours on three days a week could be a good option for both companies and employees.

Currently, German law allows a maximum of eight hours per day, extendable to ten if the average over six months stays at eight. With a six-day week, that gives a weekly cap of 48 hours, and an 11-hour rest period is required between shifts.

The coalition agreement between the Christian Democrats (CDU/CSU) and Social Democrats (SPD) commits to introducing a weekly rather than daily limit. A draft from the labour ministry in June retained the eight-hour day as the rule but would allow a weekly maximum only if agreed in a collective bargaining agreement and with safeguards for workers' health. The 48-hour weekly average would have to be respected over 12 months. The draft also introduces mandatory electronic recording of working time, with longer transition periods for smaller companies.

Employers have criticised the draft. The president of the BDA employers' association, Rainer Dulger, said it was "full of distrust towards employers and their employees". Gesamtmetall director Oliver Zander called it "a set of maximalist demands", arguing that collective agreements cover only about half of employees.

Trade unions oppose any change. DGB president Yasmin Fahimi said employers are less interested in work-life balance than in greater control over working hours. A DGB survey found 98 percent of employees accept some changes but do not want to work after 7 pm. Verdi board member Silke Zimmer said the current law is one of the most important protective regulations and should not be touched.

Research also raises concerns. Studies suggest the risk of an accident at work or on the way home after 12 hours is double that after eight. A WSI Institute survey found nearly three-quarters fear negative effects from working more than ten hours. The Marburger Bund doctors' association warns about patient safety, and the Hans Böckler Foundation cautions that those working more than 8.5 hours a day are less involved in political and social life.

New Labour Minister Alexander Schweitzer has not yet said whether he will keep the collective agreement restriction. He noted that Germany had 1.3 billion overtime hours in 2023 and said flexible models are needed. Left party deputy Luigi Pantisano has urged him to defend the daily limit, while SPD parliamentary secretary Dirk Wiese says the coalition agreement does not abolish the law but adds a weekly maximum with digital time tracking to prevent unpaid overtime.

No agreement has been reached yet.