DGB warns: Refurbication of the 8-hour day at risk of employee rights!
DGB warns: Refurbication of the 8-hour day at risk of employee rights!
In the current economic crisis, the topic of employee rights is particularly hot. The DGB district chairman Werner Gloning commented in a summer meeting of the DGB unions in the district on the continuing changes in labor law and made it clear that the rights of the employees should not be taken lightly. "We are concerned with concern how an attempt is made again to loosen the Working Hours Act," said Gloning. These concerns are particularly relevant because in Germany over a billion overtime is worked every year, of which more than half remain unpaid, as can be seen on schwaben.dgb.de
Again and again there are efforts to raise the upper limit of the daily working hours to up to 13 hours. The DGB district board and unions decide this hollow of the Working Hours Act. "Longer working hours not only lead to health problems, but also make the compatibility of work and family difficult," emphasizes the deputy DGB district chairman Gabriele Brenner. It was also strange about the developments in the SPD, especially through the coalition agreement, which has similar tendencies.
The protection of employees
The Working Hours Act (ArbZG) in Germany not only regulates maximum working hours, but also the mandatory rest periods for employees. The aim is to protect the health and safety of the employees. Nevertheless, many employees complain about unpaid overtime and constant accessibility in their free time. According to a DGB index, many employees suffer from atypical work situations that have a negative impact on their health, as dgb.de.
An example of the harassment is work in the evening (26%) and on weekends (25%). In addition, many employees are affected by the compression of their work tasks, which is perceived as stressful. The legally prescribed minimum rest period of 11 hours is often not observed, which can lead to psychosomatic symptoms. "There are clear limits for daily working hours here," says Gloning and indicates the importance of reliable working hours for people with family obligations.
The demands of the unions
In this context, the unions call for concrete measures: Clear regulations for daily working hours, reliable rest periods and real participation in working hours. Part -time employees, often women, must have the opportunity to increase their working hours as required without being disadvantaged. Such demands are not only socially just, but also covered by the European Working Time Directive, which sets 48 hours of maximum working time per week, and which contains the right to breaks after six hours and four weeks of vacation, as on Verdi.de is recorded.Finally, the members of the DGB district board to the SPD appeal to position themselves against the current reform proposals that question the protection against dismissal for older workers. "A fair and socially friendly design of working hours is essential for a healthy and productive society," says the final message of Gloning and Brenner.
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| Ort | Günzburg, Deutschland |
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