Health Experts Warn as German Government Moves to Scrap Daily Eight-Hour Work Limit
12.06.2026 - 10:34:31 | boerse-global.de
Labour minister Bärbel Bas (SPD) has announced a draft bill for June that would dismantle Germany’s long?standing daily maximum of eight hours. In its place, a weekly cap of 48 hours would become the legal benchmark, aligning the country with the EU Working Time Directive. If enacted, individual shifts could stretch to 12 or even 13 hours on some days, provided the weekly total is not exceeded.
Medical researchers are pushing back. Studies show that the risk of workplace accidents rises sharply after the eighth hour, and productivity declines markedly beyond the tenth hour. Occupational health specialists argue the reform puts employee well?being at risk, especially when fatigue?related errors can have serious consequences in sectors like manufacturing and logistics.
To offset the new flexibility, the ministry plans to require mandatory electronic time?tracking. Existing protections—such as the 11?hour rest period between shifts—will stay in place, and collective agreements or individual employment contracts will not be overridden. Employers cannot simply impose longer hours unilaterally; many current contracts or industry?specific rules already block such arrangements.
The political battle lines were drawn at a summit in the Chancellery on 10 June, where Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU), Vice?Chancellor Lars Klingbeil (SPD), and representatives from business associations and unions faced off. Employers hailed the reform as a boost to international competitiveness. Union leaders were far less enthusiastic. DGB chair Yasmin Fahimi rejected any weakening of the eight?hour day, and the dbb civil?service union warned of excessive strain on workers.
Public opinion mirrors union concerns. A survey by the WSI of the Hans?Böckler?Foundation found that three?quarters of employees fear negative consequences for their work?life balance. In the 24?hour care sector, however, some lawyers see an upside: longer shifts could be legalised at an employee’s request, reducing the number of days they need to work each week.
The earliest the law could take effect is the end of 2026, though observers consider spring 2027 more realistic. The coalition will decide on the core parameters at a committee meeting on 1 July, with the aim of finalising the framework before the parliamentary summer break in mid?July. Further talks with social partners—chiefly on working?time flexibility and pension policy—have already been scheduled.
