The metals industry, Deutsche Post, Deutsche Telekom, Deutsche Bahn: an increasing number of sectors and companies are arming themselves with flexible working time models that enable employees to choose between higher pay or more free time. Thirty-four years after the historic dispute that triggered a 35-hour working week in the metals sector, the theme of working time has come right back to the forefront in Germany’s companies and is developing fast. Flexible working time has become a priority topic for trade unions seeking a return to employee decision making over their working time during the new digital era as well as looking for employees to be able to enjoy the advantages of greater flexibility. Yvonne Lott, an expert in working time at the Hans-Böckler Foundation (the institute of the German Federation of Trade Unions (DGB)) has discussed the underlying reasons with Planet Labor.
More money or more free time. From January 2019, all full time working employees in the Metals sector and with at least two years career length will have the right to lower their working time to 28 hours per week. No justification will be necessary and the length of time workers can avail of this can vary from between 6 and 24 months (c.f. article No. 10551). In addition posted workers and workers with very young children or dependent parents can choose between an additional salary element that would apply to all staff and 8 extra days off.
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