*Working Time Debate in Germany: Merz Proposal Sparks Outrage in Construction – Digital Time Tracking as an Opportunity
*
Berlin / Munich – A proposal by CDU leader Friedrich Merz to abolish the eight-hour working day in its current form and allow more flexibility in daily working hours has triggered intense debate across Germany. Nowhere is the reaction stronger than in the construction industry. Trade unions and works councils warn of overwork, while many construction workers say they already feel pushed to their limits.
At the same time, one topic is gaining renewed attention: smart digital time tracking in construction.
Construction Workers Warn: The Limit Has Already Been Reached
The eight-hour working day has been a cornerstone of German labor law for more than 100 years. Although the Working Time Act already allows exceptions of up to ten hours per day, many construction workers see no room for further flexibility.
“Our people are already at their limit,” says Markus Pohlmann, works council chairman at Strabag. Overtime is part of everyday life on construction sites, often exceeding legal limits. In practice, additional “flexibility” feels less like freedom and more like pressure.
A survey by the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB) supports this view:
- 98 percent of respondents do not want to work more than ten hours per day
- 95 percent would choose to end their workday by 6 p.m. if they had full control
Lack of Time Tracking Puts Workers’ Rights at Risk
Beyond working hour limits, construction workers face further concerns: rising living costs, discussions about increasing the retirement age to 70, and above all, insufficient time tracking on construction sites.
Without reliable digital systems, it is often unclear whether overtime is fully documented and fairly compensated. Trade unions see this as a serious risk to workers’ rights and call for urgent action.
Digital Solutions Like TimeSpin for Construction Workers and Site Managers
Innovative tools such as TimeSpin offer a practical solution to these challenges.
The software enables precise digital time tracking via a mobile app that construction workers can use directly on their smartphones. No additional hardware is required, and working hours are recorded transparently and reliably.
For site managers, project managers, and foremen, the TimeSpin Cube adds another layer of value. It allows quick and intuitive tracking of project times, team coordination, and on-site project management.
Benefits at a glance
For construction workers
Simple app-based tracking, clear proof of working hours, protection against unpaid overtimeFor construction companies
Legally compliant documentation, less administrative effort through automation, improved project planningFor site and project managers
A smart overview of teams and projects using the TimeSpin Cube
Key Issues Facing the Construction Industry
The debate around the eight-hour day highlights a broader challenge: construction companies need modern approaches to time tracking, occupational safety, and project management.
Keywords such as digital time tracking in construction, time tracking via app, protection of construction workers’ working hours, construction project control, and efficiency in construction companies reflect the current reality – and point to solutions already available today through providers like TimeSpin.
Balancing Flexibility and Protection
The current dispute shows how crucial balance has become: flexibility for companies on one side, protection for workers on the other.
Political proposals alone will not solve the problem. Only practical, digital tools like TimeSpin can truly align working hours, employee satisfaction, and economic efficiency in the construction sector.
Conclusion
While politicians and trade unions continue to argue about longer working hours, digital innovation may be the real game changer.
With app-based time tracking for construction workers, smart project management through the TimeSpin Cube, and transparent, legally compliant documentation, solutions like TimeSpin offer a sustainable path forward for the entire construction industry.
Top comments (0)