The CDU is evidently planning a reform of the German Part-Time
and Fixed-Term Employment Act [Teilzeit- und
Befristungsgesetzes, TzBfG]. The Ministries of Ursula von der
Leyen (Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs
[Bundesministerium für Arbeit und Soziales, BMAS])
and Kristina Schröder (Federal Ministry of Family Affairs,
Senior Citizens, Women and Youth [Bundesministerium für
Familie, Senioren, Frauen und Jugend, BMFSFJ]) are planning a
legally anchored right of employees to return to full-time
employment after a period of part-time employment for
family-related reasons.
At present, an employee's return to full-time employment still
lies at the discretion of the employer. Although employees can
demand the reduction of their weekly working hours from their
employer, as long as this does not oppose operational requirements,
in the other direction, however, a right to increase working hours
is not yet envisaged. Schröder sees the risk that women in
particular could fall into the "part-time trap" through
this provision, from which they can never escape. The existing
regulation is a "dead end".
However, Schröder expects opposition to rise from the ranks
of the FDP. Hence, consent to a corresponding legislative proposal
is not expected during this legislative period. Also in this
respect, the outcome of the imminent Bundestag elections is to be
awaited with baited breath.
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