German Chancellor Friedrich Merz Backs More Flexible Working Hours

Yesterday 23:15

By: Azzat Manal

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz Backs More Flexible Working Hours

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has argued that moving away from the traditional eight-hour workday could create new opportunities for both businesses and employees, as his government considers reforms aimed at making working hours more flexible.

Speaking on Tuesday at the German Employers’ Day in Berlin, organised by the Confederation of German Employers’ Associations, Merz pointed to working-time arrangements in other countries where employees reportedly work 12-hour shifts three days a week. He suggested that such schedules can appeal to workers by allowing them to spend longer periods with their families outside working days.

Merz said that working beyond eight hours in a single day should not automatically be viewed as exploitation, arguing that more flexible arrangements could benefit companies while giving employees greater control over how they organise their time. However, the potential effects of longer shifts on workers’ health, family life and working conditions remain important considerations in any reform debate.

The chancellor also acknowledged that the government’s plans to revise working-time rules had been delayed. The proposed approach would replace the existing daily limit with a maximum weekly working-time limit, potentially allowing employers and employees to agree on schedules better suited to different industries and operational needs.

Germany’s current working-time framework generally limits the working day to eight hours, although it can be extended to ten hours under certain conditions if the average working time remains within the legal limit over the applicable reference period. Any change to the system would therefore require careful consideration of existing labour protections and the rules governing rest periods.

Beyond working hours, Merz called for companies to receive greater scope to offer fixed-term employment contracts. He also advocated reducing dismissal protections for higher-income employees, presenting these measures as part of a broader effort to make Germany’s labour market more adaptable.

The proposals form part of a wider debate over how Germany can improve business competitiveness while maintaining employee protections. Their eventual impact will depend on the details of any legislation, negotiations within the government and the response of employers, workers and labour organisations.