EconomyGermany's auto crisis: Can the 35-hour workweek survive?

German carmakers want employees to work 40 hours a week instead of 35, without additional pay, saying this would improve competitiveness. Unions reject the proposal as an attack on workers’ rights. The industry is under pressure from high costs, US tariffs, Chinese competition and the shift to electric vehicles, while major automakers and suppliers plan production cuts and job reductions.

German auto industry35-hour workweekunionsjob cuts

DDW★★★☆☆2026-09-21 08:13Original