The German industry is asking to return to the 40-hour workweek.
Los ejecutivos achacan su reclamación a la caída de la competitividad. Leer
German industry executives are calling for a return to a 40-hour workweek, citing high labor costs that are hurting the country's competitiveness. Labor costs in Germany are the highest in the EU, at €49.50 per hour in the industrial sector, compared to €33.70 EU average and €15.60 in Hungary. Executives from companies like Mercedes-Benz and Stihl argue that high labor costs are no longer offset by other advantages of operating in Germany, such as a skilled workforce and strong infrastructure.
The push for a longer workweek comes as negotiations on salaries are set to begin in October between employers and unions. Currently, about a fifth of Germany's workforce, mainly in the automotive, engineering, and steel sectors, work a 35-hour week.
Written by urgent.news from Expansion ES's report — not a translation of it. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
