Heidi Reichinnek, the chair of the Left’s parliamentary group, sharply criticised the CDU/CSU’s Mittelstands‑und‑Wirtschaftsunion for proposing to restrict the right to part‑time work. Speaking to RTL and ntv on Monday, she argued that the plan “goes in a very clear direction-eroding workers’ rights”. She questioned whether a bureaucratic system should be built that forces people to beg for the right to work part‑time.
Reichinnek warned that limiting part‑time options could have serious health consequences. “If we force people to work more than they can at the moment, we create permanent fatigue and may even chronicise illnesses” she said. She urged that, instead of piling on pressure, employers should improve working conditions.
According to her, many sectors – such as nursing and cleaning – should not permit workers to work more than 30 hours a week. For Reichinnek, part‑time work is a form of self‑protection. “Labeling it ‘lifestyle part‑time’ only shows what the union truly believes about the people in this country” she added.
The debate, she said, should focus on improving care and support services. Many mothers want to work more but cannot combine caregiving with employment. “To make that possible, investment is essential, but the union shows no interest. Instead, it wants to simply shift the pressure elsewhere” she concluded.
