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Germany's Part-Time Work Boom Sparks Fierce Political Clash Over Rights

A push to restrict part-time work in Germany could upend millions—especially women. Why critics call it a 'step backward' for equality and flexibility.

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2 min read
The image shows a black and white photo of a group of women working in a textile factory. They are...
The image shows a black and white photo of a group of women working in a textile factory. They are sitting on chairs and working on machines, with tables on the left side of the image. In the background, there is a wall with a clock, and at the bottom right corner there is some text.

Nearly 28% of Part-Time Workers Choose to Work Reduced Hours - Germany's Part-Time Work Boom Sparks Fierce Political Clash Over Rights

A record 30.6 percent of Germany's workforce worked part-time in 2024. Nearly half of all working women held such positions, compared with just 13.9 percent of men. Now, a proposal by the conservative CDU's economic wing to restrict part-time rights has ignited debate across political and business circles.

Last year, nearly 28 percent of part-time employees chose reduced hours voluntarily. The most common reason was simply a preference for part-time work (27.9 percent). Caring for dependents followed closely, with 23.5 percent citing this need—though the burden fell unevenly, affecting 28.8 percent of women but only 6.8 percent of men. Among caregivers specifically, 65.3 percent cut their hours to manage responsibilities themselves.

Other motivations included education or training (11.6 percent) and personal health issues (4.9 percent). Just 4.8 percent of part-time workers wanted full-time roles but could not secure them. Employers, however, played a significant role in driving the trend, according to job platform Indeed.

The CDU's business-focused MIT faction has now proposed limiting the legal right to part-time work. Their motion, titled No Legal Claim to Lifestyle Part-Time, would tie reduced hours to 'special reasons' like childcare, training, or caregiving. Social benefits and the right to return to full-time work would also depend on these conditions. The plan, set for discussion at the CDU's 2026 congress, has drawn sharp criticism.

Within the party, social wing members like Radtke argue for improved childcare instead. Outside, opposition comes from the Greens, the Left Party, unions, and HR experts, who warn of setbacks for gender equality and work-life balance. The far-right AfD has also rejected the proposal. Some employers, however, see potential advantages in better workforce planning.

The CDU's proposal faces an uphill battle, with critics highlighting risks to women's employment and broader equality efforts. If adopted, the changes could reshape part-time work access for millions—particularly those balancing care duties or personal needs. The debate will now unfold ahead of the party's 2026 gathering.

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