German bakers seek longer Sunday hours, union warns of industry unattractiveness

Germany's bakers are pushing for longer working hours on Sundays, arguing that the current three-hour limit is outdated and hinders competitiveness. The Central Association of the German Bakery Trade stated that the 1996 regulation is no longer sufficient for modern market, competition, and production conditions. They advocate for a legal change that would remove the three-hour restriction, allowing employees to work longer shifts on Sundays. The association believes this would lead to "real equality in competition." However, the plan faces opposition from the NGG food and hospitality union. The NGG argues that extending Sunday work hours would make the industry even less appealing and that employees would not welcome working longer shifts on these days. The union contends that the government's proposal is unrealistic, assuming employees would willingly work extended hours on Sundays.