Trade union federation demands: catch-up day for weekend public holidays | Regional

2024-01-06 12:54:16

Munich – Most Germans would probably be happy to support this demand!

The Bavarian DGB chairman Bernhard Stiedl is calling for compensation for public holidays that fall on a weekend. The idea: The federal government should by law grant a paid alternative day of rest on the next working day.

Stiedl: “It would make sense to catch up not only from a health perspective, but also from an economic perspective.” In addition to commemoration, the public holidays also serve primarily for relaxation and social cohesion.

Not everyone is convinced…

But: There are actually opposing voices to the demand: the Bavarian Business Association rejects it. Holidays for religious or historical reasons served for reflection. A catch-up day would devalue the meaning and purpose of the holiday.

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“In addition, Germany has one of the most public holidays and collectively agreed vacation days in Europe, but at the same time has one of the highest labor costs in the world,” said vbw Managing Director Bertram Brossardt.

Nine public holidays

There are nine public holidays nationwide – Easter, Pentecost, Christmas, New Year, Ascension Day, Labor Day and German Unity Day. In Bavaria, Epiphany, Corpus Christi and All Saints’ Day are added, and in predominantly Catholic communities the Assumption of Mary is also the 13th holiday. The Peace Festival on August 8th is also a public holiday in Augsburg.