CDU Proposes Restrictions on Part-Time Work Amid Skills Shortage

The business wing of Germany’s leading Christian Democratic Union (CDU) has introduced a proposal to restrict part-time work, calling for workers to seek special permission to reduce their hours. This initiative emerges as the country grapples with a significant skills shortage, with many viewing part-time work as a necessary option, particularly for women balancing childcare and elder care responsibilities. Currently, every employee in Europe’s largest economy has the right to work part-time, a policy that the CDU now seeks to amend.

Gitta Connemann, chair of the CDU’s business faction, articulated the party’s stance in an interview with the news magazine Stern. She stated, “Those who can work more should work more,” underscoring a belief that reduced working hours contribute to the workforce challenges facing the nation. The proposal is slated for discussion at the CDU’s general conference in Stuttgart next month, where it is expected to be adopted as official party policy.

This move aligns with comments made by Friedrich Merz, the party leader and Chancellor, who has expressed concerns over what he perceives as a lack of motivation among Germans. He recently suggested that the country cannot sustain its prosperity with a reduced workweek and a focus on work-life balance. Critically, he has accused some citizens of abusing the sick leave system, pointing to the ease of obtaining sick notes over the phone as part of the problem.

The proposed motion does include exemptions for individuals involved in caregiving or professional training. However, it stipulates that those who choose to work part-time without being in these categories would lose their legal entitlement to do so. This has sparked debate even among CDU members, indicating divisions within the party regarding the implications of such a restriction.

Dennis Radtke, chair of the CDU’s social wing, criticized the proposal, suggesting it misplaces priorities. He emphasized the need for greater flexibility from employers regarding work hours and highlighted the financial and developmental challenges faced by part-time workers. “Such a restriction amounts to putting the cart before the horse,” he remarked to the Funke media group, advocating for improved conditions for those seeking full-time employment.

Concerns have also been raised by IG Metall, one of Germany’s largest trade unions representing metalworkers. Union leader Christiane Benner pointed out that the core issue lies not in workers’ willingness to work but in the inadequate conditions that prevent many from securing full-time jobs. The union’s perspective reflects a broader concern about the workforce dynamics in Germany.

According to the Institute for Employment Research (IAB), the part-time employment rate in Germany exceeded 40% in the third quarter of 2025. This increase is attributed to growth in sectors such as health and education, where part-time positions are more prevalent, contrasted with a decline in full-time opportunities within manufacturing. For context, the part-time employment rate in the United Kingdom was approximately 24% as of 2025, while France saw just under 18% in 2024.

Notably, of the part-time workers in Germany, around 76% are women, reflecting a pattern similar to that of the UK and France. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has previously highlighted that Germany’s economic performance is hindered by the underemployment of women and older individuals, calling for more inclusive workplace integration.

As discussions unfold regarding the CDU’s proposal, the broader implications for the workforce and economic health of Germany remain a focal point of concern for various stakeholders. The debate reflects not only immediate economic challenges but also deeper societal issues surrounding work-life balance, gender equality, and the future of employment in the country.