The left demands wage subsidies for smaller companies for a transition to the four-day week with full wage compensation. Before Labor Day on May 1st, party leader Janine Wissler presented a plan on how the reduction in working hours could actually take place.
This includes starting with pilot projects and then introducing the four-day week in three stages over a period of two years. From Wissler’s point of view, employees should be able to choose freely whether they work four or five days.
“Studies show that the four-day week increases both productivity and well-being,” argued Wissler. “However, many employees have great concerns because they are afraid of wage losses.” Therefore, there must be full wage compensation.
IG Metall had recently campaigned for the introduction of the four-day week with full wage compensation.
In a Forsa survey for “Stern”, 55 percent of those questioned spoke out against models in which employees would work fewer hours but receive the same salary. According to “Stern”, 42 percent were in favor of it.
Proponents point to positive experiences from other European countries. Opponents warn that companies could be overwhelmed financially and that the work involved cannot easily be spread over fewer working hours. (dpa)
