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

https://mins.news/en/item/66997

- DW, 2026-09-21 08:13 UTC
- Economy
- Original: https://www.dw.com/en/germany-s-auto-crisis-can-the-35-hour-workweek-survive/a-79307488?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf

> 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.

## Related coverage

- [Protests grow as Germany’s auto industry faces looming job losses](https://mins.news/en/item/69149) — Ars Technica, 2026-09-22
- [German Workers Protest After VW Slashes Profit Outlook](https://mins.news/en/video/67015) — Bloomberg Television, 2026-09-21