Germany is facing a potential showdown over labor reforms as the country’s car industry struggles with production delays and worker shortages. The powerful IG Metall union has proposed a 35-hour workweek as part of wage negotiations, raising concerns about whether automakers can maintain output without compromising efficiency. With supply chain disruptions and rising costs already straining manufacturers, the debate over working hours could reshape Germany’s industrial landscape. The outcome may hinge on whether companies can balance productivity demands with worker demands for better conditions.
Germany's car crisis: Will the 35-hour workweek survive? DW.com