The SPD argues that the demands of Bavarian Prime Minister Markus Söder (CSU) to add an extra hour of work per week are misguided. SPD labour spokesperson Annika Klose told RTL and ntv that it is questionable to continually present employees as lazy and unwilling to work more. She added, “Germans are already doing a lot. The few who would be hesitant to put in an extra hour are a minority”.
Klose interprets Söder’s stance as an attempt to broadly increase working hours, but she insists that this is not the focus of the legislator. “That should be negotiated between social partners, unions and employers’ associations” she said, calling the demand “a bit off the mark”.
In contrast, many workers actually wish to work full time but are prevented by practical constraints such as high childcare costs. “In Bavaria, childcare expenses are exorbitantly high. Many cannot afford them and therefore work part time” Klose explained. She called it “disgusting” to criticize workers for this situation.
Klose also suggested that Söder is trying to distract attention from the upcoming local elections in his state.
