DGB Chairwoman Fahimi voices concerns over proposed 12-hour work schedules - DGB head honcho Fahimi voices disapproval of proposed twelve-hour work schedules
German Trade Union Federation (DGB) Cautions Against 12-Hour Regular Shifts, Advocates for Minimum Wage Increase and Pension Level Stabilization
The German Trade Union Confederation (DGB) has expressed reservations about the government's proposed reform of the Working Hours Act, with Chair Yasmin Fahimi stating that the plans appear to be a product of the Berlin political bubble. Fahimi emphasized that the DGB has already introduced flexible working hours with health considerations in mind, but lamented that half of employees no longer fall under collective agreements.
In a separate issue, Fahimi issued a warning to employers and the chairperson of the Minimum Wage Commission, Christiane Schoenefeld, against undermining a significant increase to the minimum wage from 2026. Fahimi stated that Schoenefeld should not repeat the previous commission's tactic of favoring employers in a deadlock, and that the government should consider intervening if an agreement cannot be reached.
The commission aims to set the minimum wage for 2026 by the end of June, with the current rate at 12.82 euros per hour, and the DGB has announced that there will be a significant increase in the minimum wage. The organization also called for the permanent stabilization of the pension level at a minimum of 48 percent of net average income, a measure that would be partially funded by a higher tax subsidy for pension insurance.
Fahimi argued that the aging of society should be addressed collectively, rather than placing the burden solely on contributors. She proposed reintroducing the wealth tax and extending pension insurance to the self-employed as solutions to stabilize revenues.
The DGB has previously emphasized the importance of improving the minimum wage to ensure that it remains adequate and is regularly adjusted to reflect living costs and purchasing power. It also supports European initiatives for adequate minimum wages and transparent procedures to set and increase minimum wages. The organization advocates for strengthening collective bargaining coverage to ensure fair wages and working conditions.
According to the DGB, fiscal reforms are necessary to secure future investments and social benefits, with robust public revenue being essential to stabilize pension levels and avoid cuts. The organization has also historically advocated against lowering the pension level and for measures to ensure that pensions keep pace with wage developments.
- The German Trade Union Federation (DGB) has urged European countries to consider strengthening their employment policies, particularly in terms of adequate minimum wages and transparent procedures for setting and increasing minimum wages, as part of their business, finance, and political general-news agendas.
- The DGB, in its call for fiscal reforms, emphasized that securing future investments and social benefits requires robust public revenue, which is essential for stabilizing pension levels and avoiding cuts, and for ensuring the minimum wage remains adequate and is regularly adjusted to reflect living costs and purchasing power.
