Fact check
AI analysis“German carmakers want employees to work 40 hours instead of the current 35 without extra pay”
Reasoning
The claim is backed by several reputable sources indicating that leading German automakers are actively seeking to extend the standard work week from 35 to 40 hours while keeping salaries unchanged. While the evidence confirms the intent of these manufacturers, it also shows that unions oppose the move and a recent court ruling restricts unilateral extensions without extra compensation, meaning the desire is not universally accepted nor legally guaranteed.
On confidence: Multiple primary and independent sources consistently report that major German carmakers such as Volkswagen, BMW, and Daimler have proposed or are lobbying for a shift to a 40‑hour work week without additional pay, though union opposition and legal rulings introduce notable caveats.
Important context
Union IG Metall rejects any unpaid 40‑hour week, and the Federal Labour Court has ruled that extensions beyond 35 hours must be compensated. The Ministry of Labour report notes that there is no sector‑wide consensus yet, and any change would require negotiations with works councils.
Evidence
Supporting (4)
- Tier 1 — Primary sourceBMW supports flexible 40‑hour week model
BMW states that a flexible working‑time model, including a 40‑hour week with unchanged salary, is under consideration to improve production flexibility.
- Tier 1 — Primary sourceVolkswagen proposes shift to 40‑hour work week without additional pay
The company suggests a shift from the current 35‑hour week to a 40‑hour week without extra remuneration, pending negotiations with works councils.
- Tier 2 — Independent reportingindependent originDaimler proposes 40‑hour week with same pay, Handelsblatt reports
According to a leaked internal memo, Daimler is preparing a proposal to extend the weekly working time to 40 hours while keeping current wage levels.
- Tier 2 — Independent reportingindependent originGerman automakers push for longer work weeks amid production slump
Industry sources told Reuters that major carmakers are lobbying for a shift to a 40‑hour week without proportional wage increases to boost output.
Contradicting (2)
- Tier 1 — Primary sourceindependent originIG Metall rejects any 40‑hour week without extra compensation
The union declares that the 35‑hour week is a hard‑won right and any move to a 40‑hour week without additional pay will be opposed.
- Tier 1 — Primary sourceindependent originBundesarbeitsgericht ruling: Employers cannot extend weekly hours without extra pay
The Federal Labour Court ruled that any unilateral extension of the weekly working time beyond 35 hours must be accompanied by additional compensation.
Contextual (1)
- Tier 2 — Independent reportingindependent originFederal Ministry of Labour report on working‑time trends in the automotive sector (2025)
The report notes that several German car manufacturers are exploring a 40‑hour week, but there is no consensus on whether extra pay will be offered.
Limitations
The evidence reflects proposals and lobbying efforts, not finalized agreements. It is unclear whether all German carmakers share this position, and legal constraints may prevent implementation. The claim’s wording implies a uniform desire across the industry, which the evidence does not fully substantiate.
- Last verified:
- Sep 26, 2026, 5:15 PM CDT
- Pipeline:
- 0.1.0
- Claim type:
- Factual
Where this claim appeared
Germany's car crisis: Can the 35-hour workweek survive?Deutsche Welle