DGB Study: Many Public Servants Make Overtime - Germany's public sector workers demand shorter hours amid rising overtime
A new survey has revealed widespread overtime and a strong desire for reduced working hours among Germany's public sector employees. Over 1,300 workers shared their experiences in the DGB Good Work Index, highlighting long hours and growing dissatisfaction. The findings come as political debates over working time regulations continue.
The survey found that 40 percent of public sector staff regularly work beyond their contracted hours. Among them, 22 percent put in one to five extra hours each week, while 17 percent exceed five additional hours. Civil servants face even heavier workloads, with 33 percent working over 40 hours weekly and 11 percent surpassing 48 hours.
A significant majority—56 percent of all public sector workers—expressed a wish to cut their hours. This figure rises to 65 percent among civil servants, who also called for lighter workloads. Currently, 35 percent of the sector's 5.3 million employees, including 1.8 million civil servants and judges, work part-time.
Elke Hannack, deputy chair of the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB), criticised proposals to reduce part-time roles and extend working hours. She also opposed plans by the CDU/CSU and SPD to scrap the eight-hour workday, arguing that such moves would worsen conditions for already overstretched staff.
The survey underscores a clear gap between current working conditions and employee preferences in the public sector. With no concrete data on state-level measures to reduce overtime, calls for reform remain unaddressed. The findings suggest a need for policy changes to align with workers' demands for shorter hours and fairer workloads.
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