Michael Kretschmer, the minister president of Saxony, advocates for a return to the 40-hour workweek in Germany to bolster economic prosperity. In an interview with The Handelsblatt, Kretschmer emphasizes the need for part-time work to become the exception rather than the norm, marking a shift from its current status as a legally protected option.
A Shift in Part-Time Work Dynamics
Germany’s Part-Time and Fixed-Term Employment Act, introduced in 2001, granted most employees the right to work fewer hours than initially agreed upon in their contracts. This legislation aimed to provide flexibility in working arrangements. However, Kretschmer highlights concerns that the prevalence of part-time work has become detrimental to economic growth, with 31% of employees working part-time in 2023, according to the Federal Statistical Office.
Economic Challenges and Working Hours
Comparative studies reveal Germany’s lag in terms of working hours among OECD countries, ranking last in the number of hours worked per week. Kretschmer underscores the importance of increasing working hours to sustain Germany’s economic w Eell-being, particularly amidst challenges such as high energy prices and the nation’s heavy reliance on industrial sectors.
Impact on the Labour Market
The German economy’s struggles, exacerbated by factors like energy price spikes and industrial dependence, have led to forecasts of rising unemployment levels. The German Economic Institute predicts a significant increase in unemployment, reaching levels not seen since 2015. However, simply transitioning part-time workers to full-time contracts may not suffice to address underlying economic issues, especially considering potential declines in productivity.
Balancing Work and Care Responsibilities
While reducing part-time employment may be viewed as a solution to economic woes, it could also intersect with individuals’ caregiving duties. Data from Germany’s statistics office indicates that a significant proportion of women opt for part-time work due to childcare responsibilities, highlighting the complexities involved in reshaping the workforce dynamics. Achieving economic prosperity while accommodating diverse work-life needs remains a multifaceted challenge for policymakers and stakeholders in German.
SOURCE: Ref Image from Euronews
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