The Greens have called for a special question time in the Bundestag to discuss the Union’s proposal to curb workers’ legal right to part‑time employment. In a statement to T‑Online, parliamentary manager Irene Mihalic said the government and the parties that support it must clearly state whether they will back the Mittelstands‑Union’s motion of mistrust concerning employees’ willingness to work.
Mihalic condemned what she described as the Union’s “paternalistic policy” arguing it would damage the economy. She accused the CDU and the Mittelstands‑Union of unfairly labeling millions of people as lazy or unengaged-a “groundless affront” that reveals the parties’ detachment from everyday life. “Instead of solving the real problems faced by people caring for children or relatives, the CDU merely opens doors and makes life harder” she added.
According to the Greens, the Union’s “lifestyle vilification” is a slap in the face for millions of part‑time workers. They argue that making part‑time work a privilege of the CDU would effectively force many to either work full time or abandon employment altogether.
The paper, titled “No Legal Right to Lifestyle Part‑Time”, was released over the weekend and calls for a reform of the legal right to part‑time work. It would only apply in cases of “special justification” such as child‑rearing or caring for relatives. The proposal has already attracted criticism-even within the Union itself.
