The result of collective bargaining has provided around 900,000 employees working in industrial companies in southwest Germany not only with a wage increase of 4.3 percent, but also the opportunity to work only 28 hours a week. It is assumed that the same privileges will soon be given to almost 4 million workers throughout Germany.
28 hours a week
The agreement was concluded in Baden-Württemberg, Germany after long negotiations and strikes that lasted several days, involving more than a hundred industrial companies including Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Audi, BMW, MAN and Airbus.
From 2019, these workers will be able to work only 28 hours a week instead of the current 35 hours for up to two years, without having to state a reason. They will then be able to return to their full-time jobs. They will also get more days off if needed for childcare or to care for other elderly or sick relatives.
40 hours a week
On the one hand, the trade union has enforced the 28-hour week, which corresponds to a 5 hour and 40 minute workday. On the other hand, however, employers have enforced their right not to pay the lost wages to the employees working fewer hours. Employers can also make contracts with the working time set to 40 hours a week more often. This should help them in times of low unemployment and a shortage of workers.
The agreement is valid until 31st March 2020.
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