A formal CDU draft titled Kein Rechtsanspruch auf Lifestyle-Teilzeit is being prepared for the party congress, proposing a justification for part-time work and curbing voluntary part-time arrangements for non-care-related reasons.

Gitta Connemann, MIT chair, argues that those who can work more should, citing a severe skilled-labor shortage, and supports limiting voluntary part-time where not tied to care or education.

Justifications for part-time would center on child-rearing, caregiving, or further education; personal-life voluntary part-time would lose social-security protection.

Health and social care leaders outside the CDU echo concerns that reducing work hours for leisure could still yield full benefits while cutting hours elsewhere.

There is cross-party opposition from Greens, Left, DGB and CDU’s own social flank, warning the plan would harm gender equality and workforce participation, especially for women and older workers.

A mid-January survey for the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs found many mothers would work more if framework conditions were better; 45% would increase hours with more flexible arrangements.

The overarching debate centers on work-life balance, labor-market flexibility, and economic impact, with economists warning of negative consequences and opponents urging stronger support structures rather than restricting rights.

In 2024, 29% of Germans worked part-time, with women making up about half and men about 12%; 2025 saw the share approach 40%, highlighting current dependence on part-time work.

Under current rules, part-time rights exist, but reform proposals seek to replace daily maximums with a weekly framework and potentially reduce incentives for overwork.

If enacted, the reform could push more workers, notably women, into full-time roles or out of the labor market, while supporters argue for better childcare and caregiving support to enable flexible work.

Public and political debate around the CDU proposal is intense, reflecting broader struggles over work-life balance, gender equality, and economic policy in Germany.

Economists like Marcel Fratzscher warn the reform could harm the economy and worsen the skilled-labor shortage by reducing employment and potentially increasing insolvencies.