Kraemer, Birgit

The social–ecological transformation and its impact on sectoral trade unions, along with a proposal by social partners for the government to secure economic sustainability through greater investment are the main topics of interest in this...

The future of employment in the automotive industry in Baden-Wuerttemberg, the involvement of trade unions in a climate action day and recommendations for raising job quality and wages in the elderly and healthcare sector are the main topics of interest in this article. This country update reports on the latest developments in working life in Germany in the third quarter of 2019.

The current labour market situation in Germany, the government’s planned skilled labour migration act and other reforms are the main topics of interest in this article. This country update reports on the latest developments in working life in Germany in the third quarter of 2018.

Disputes regarding the new government coalition, works council elections, and the new collective agreement signed by IG Metall and Gesamtmetall are the main topics of this article. This country update reports on the latest developments in working life in Germany in the first quarter of 2018.

Data produced by the German Federal Statistical Office and the Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health show substantial differences, across and between sectors, in working time that has been collectively agreed and in actual working time. The data also reveal that the longer the working hours the stronger is the impact on health.

While the international trade union movement is calling for a more effective implementation of the Paris Agreement on climate change, national trade unions differ regarding the way forward. German unions are taking a traditional path in joining forces with employers and calling for governmental support for innovative technological and industrial policy solutions.

Economic stability, the conclusion of several sectoral agreements, the Federal Constitutional Court ruling on the Collective Bargaining Unity Act, and results of the federal elections are the main topics of interest in this article. This country update reports on the latest developments in working life in Germany in the third quarter of 2017.

Economic stability, campaigning ahead of September’s elections, new policies on pay and working hours, a decline in union membership, changes to the collective bargaining landscape and a reduction in strike action are the main topics of interest in this article. This country update reports on the latest developments in working life in Germany in the second quarter of 2017.

The conclusion of several collective wage bargaining rounds and the nomination of Martin Schulz to run as the Social Democrats’ candidate for Chancellor in September’s federal elections are the main topics of interest in this article. This country update reports on the latest developments in working life in Germany in the first quarter of 2017.

Federal Labour Minister Andrea Nahles launched a White Paper at the end of November on the future of work, including the controversial issue of working time regulation. Both employers and workers’ representatives favour more flexibility than is allowed by current regulations that stipulate an eight-hour working day, but unions want to safeguard workers’ rights to choose how many hours they work.