The debate over holiday compensation is gaining momentum in Germany, with prominent figures from the Green party and the Left advocating for a policy shift to ensure employees receive the full benefit of national holidays. The current system, which sees numerous holidays fall on weekend days, is drawing criticism as unfair and detrimental to worker wellbeing, particularly in a climate of widespread skills shortages.
Timon Dzienus, parliamentary spokesperson for the Green party within the Bundestag’s Committee on Labour and Social Affairs, told the “Rheinische Post” that the practice is “irritating and unfair” to employees, arguing it undermines productivity and negatively impacts work-life balance. He pointed to the approach adopted by numerous other European nations – and countries like Spain, the United Kingdom, Poland and the United States – where such fallen holidays are routinely rescheduled.
The call for reform comes at a politically sensitive moment. With Germany facing a critical shortage of skilled workers, Green politicians emphasize the importance of bolstering employee satisfaction and flexibility. Failing to provide adequate holiday time, they argue, actively hinders efforts to attract and retain talent, a crucial element of economic stability.
Sören Pellmann, leader of the Left party’s parliamentary group, echoed Dzienus’s concerns, highlighting that 2026 will see workers again miss out on the full complement of Germany’s nine national holidays due to weekend conflicts. The continued inaction on this issue is drawing ire from various corners, with critics questioning why Germany remains an outlier in a landscape where compensating for weekend-falling holidays is standard practice.
While the proposal enjoys cross-party support, challenges remain. Concerns about implementation costs and the potential disruption to business operations are likely to surface and any legislative change would require careful negotiation and compromise. Nevertheless, the pressure for reform is now significant, forcing policymakers to confront the growing disconnect between Germany’s legal framework and the realities of a demanding modern workforce.
