alephnews.ro/guvern/germania-ar-putea-introduce-zi

Germany is considering a significant labor law reform that would allow employees to work more than eight hours a day, including 12-hour shifts. Chancellor Friedrich Merz advocates for flexibility in work schedules to benefit both companies and workers, but the proposal faces opposition from the SPD and unions. Current laws limit workdays to eight hours, extendable to ten with compensatory time off. The government aims to replace daily limits with a weekly cap in line with European norms. While employers argue that reform is necessary for modern economic realities, concerns about potential exploitation and health impacts on workers persist. Negotiations have stalled since a rejected reform proposal in June 2026, highlighting divisions within the coalition government.