Metal workers in the German state of Baden-Wurttemberg can now choose to work a 28-hour week for up to a two-year period, following a deal between employers and the IG Metall industrial union. The deal, which followed three 24-hour strikes at firms like Daimler, Siemens and Airbus, is a landmark agreement, which is expected to be rolled out across Germany. The news demonstrates that work-life balance could prove as crucial as salary in future union negotiations, according to economists. In an interview with Deutsche Welle, IG Metall's general secretary Bernd Osterloh said he was "delighted" by the agreement.
Metal workers in the German state of Baden-Wurttemberg can now choose to work a 28-hour week for up to a two-year period, following a deal between employers and the IG Metall industrial union. The deal, which followed three 24-hour strikes at firms like Daimler, Siemens and Airbus, is a landmark agreement, which is expected to be rolled out across Germany. The news demonstrates that work-life balance could prove as crucial as salary in future union negotiations, according to economists. IG reportedly refused a 6.8% pay increase in favour of allowing workers to temporarily reduce their hours.