Former Vice Chancellor Sigmar Gabriel (SPD) wants people to work longer. 42 hours a week. Germany is gradually degenerating into a 75 percent society, he railed in the “Bild am Sonntag”. So we are a society of underperformers. That’s wrong. An insolence. And his demand is highly dangerous.

Full-time employees already work an average of 41.3 hours per week, as determined by the Federal Statistical Office. Men work harder than women – sometimes for up to 44 hours. Overtime is also part of everyday life for many people. In 2021, 4.5 million people continued to work after work. The 42-hour week is already a reality for many people.

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