German Workers Face Rising Unpaid Overtime and Health Risks, DGB Warns

A survey by the German Trade Union Confederation reveals widespread unpaid overtime, with new policy proposals criticized for endangering worker well-being.

• 44% of German employees regularly work overtime, with 24% exceeding five hours weekly and 10.1% of full-time workers surpassing 48 hours per week.
• More than half (53.6%) of all overtime hours in 2024 were unpaid, according to the DGB and data from the Institute for Employment Research.
• Remote workers report significantly higher overtime rates, with 52% working overtime compared to 31% of non-remote workers.
• Union and SPD coalition talks propose tax incentives for overtime, a move criticized by the DGB as harmful to worker health and work-life balance.
• The DGB survey, conducted between 2020 and 2024, highlights the impact of work pressure, qualifications, and remote work on overtime trends.

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