In Germany, a 28-hour work week to dedicate to children and the sick

Voluntary 28-hour work week to take care of the family. German metalworkers rejoice who have won an important battle.

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Voluntary 28-hour work week to take care of the family.

German metalworkers rejoice who have won an important battle on the trade union front. In addition to a reduction in working hours, they also gained a 4,3% salary increase and the possibility of caring for young children or sick relatives without suffering any salary cut.

The agreement between the German trade union IG Metall and employers in the Baden-Württemburg region was hailed as a revolutionary agreement, setting both a precedent that could be followed throughout Germany and a positive example for all of Europe.

The weeks of strikes and demonstrations in which nearly a million workers took part had the desired effect, the possibility of reducing working hours to 28 hours to dedicate themselves to children or any sick family members.

In fact, according to the new agreement i employees with children, Relatives in need of care or shift work can convert the collectively agreed time into additional days. Furthermore, all employees have the right to reduce your working hours to 28 hours per week for a period ranging from 6 to 24 months and then return to the usual 35-hour work week.

The collective agreement provides for a 4,3% salary increase for 27 months, until March 2020, with two one-off payments, the first equal to 100 euros for the months from January to March 2018 and a fixed amount of 400 euros per year, which will be due in July 2019.

“This particularly benefits the lower wage groups. The collective agreement is valid until March 31, 2020 " explains the IG Metal.

For Roman Zitzelsberger, head of the trade union district for the Baden-Wuerttemberg district, IG Metall has achieved an important milestone for employees:

“We have fought for every detail, but we have achieved great results in the problems that concern us and strengthened self-determination in the working hours of employees”.

"Europe needs a pay rise, and everyone agrees that Germany can afford wage increases" said Peter Scherrer, Deputy Secretary General of the European Confederation of Trade Unions. "This agreement should inspire wage increases and better working hours not only across Germany but in companies across Europe and encourage workers and trade unions to organize for a fairer agreement in all EU countries."

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