{
  "id": 8238650,
  "title": "Autoindustrie: Arbeitskampf bei Mercedes – Management fordert 38-Stunden-Woche",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/18/autoindustrie-arbeitskampf-bei-mercedes-management-fordert-38-stunden",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-09-18T11:57:24.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Handelsblatt",
    "slug": "handelsblatt",
    "url": "https://www.handelsblatt.com/unternehmen/industrie/mercedes-arbeitskampf-beim-autobauer-management-will-38-stunden-woche/100255590.html"
  },
  "original_language": "de",
  "account": "Autoindustrie: Mercedes' Management Pushes for 38-Hour Week\n\nMercedes-Benz management is seeking a 38-hour workweek for employees in Germany, according to trade news outlet Handelsblatt. The proposal, which would extend work hours by three hours per week, was presented to the workforce, but the 35-hour workweek currently stands as the norm. The negotiations are taking place independently of the upcoming tariff talks in the metal and electrical industries.\n\nThe management is also discussing whether the 38-hour week should be temporary or permanent, while simultaneously increasing pressure on the works councils. If cost-cutting in Germany fails, further job shifts to other countries could occur, the source said. Mercedes CEO Ola Källenius aims to introduce a never-before-seen model offensive, with dozens of new vehicles planned between 2025 and 2027, including a significant expansion of electric vehicles.\n\nThe company is striving to reduce costs across all areas, including production and material procurement, and is looking at ways to lower labor costs, particularly in Germany. Two-thirds of Mercedes' 164,000 worldwide employees work in the country, with around 90,000 paid on a tariff basis. Works in Germany are more expensive than those abroad, with salaries being 70% lower in Hungary's Kecskemét site compared to Germany, and work hours being over a quarter longer.\n\nThe management is presenting comparisons to works meetings in all German locations, with labor costs in Hungary's Kecskemét site being 70% lower than in Germany and work hours being 25% longer. A Mercedes spokesperson stated that it is essential to inform employees transparently and continuously, especially during difficult decisions. The negotiations between management and works councils are described as \"persistent and stubborn\" by insiders, with positions being far apart. The IG Metall union has rejected the idea of unpaid overtime, calling it a threat to their identity. They have fought for the 35-hour week and eight-hour day and are determined to continue fighting for it. If Mercedes' demands for unpaid overtime are not met, some employees fear that plant closures in Germany could occur.",
  "summary": "Der Autobauer will unbezahlte Mehrarbeit durchsetzen. Gewerkschaft und Betriebsräte stemmen sich dagegen. Drohen Werksschließungen in Deutschland und Verlagerungen ins Ausland?",
  "key_points": [
    "Mercedes-Benz management seeks 38-hour workweek for German employees.",
    "Current standard is 35-hour week; negotiations ongoing.",
    "CEO Ola Källenius aims for new vehicle model offensive 2025-2027."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}