The Confederation of German Employers’ Associations (BDA) is urging the German government to consider adjustments to rest period regulations alongside efforts to increase flexibility in the eight-hour workday.
BDA President Rainer Dulger, in an interview with the “Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung” emphasized the potential for further streamlining of rest period rules, suggesting there remains scope for improvement. He dismissed concerns voiced by trade unions that more flexible working time arrangements could lead to increased burdens on employees. “Where is the problem if I work more hours on one day, as long as I can compensate for that within the same week?” Dulger questioned, suggesting that unions are overreacting to the proposals.
The existing legal maximum weekly working hours in Germany is set at 48 hours. Dulger clarified that the proposed flexibility in the eight-hour workday aims to facilitate adaptation to individual life circumstances, rather than to increase overall working hours. The BDA believes these adjustments would offer greater agility for businesses and employees alike.
