The unions said it was unacceptable for the government to unilaterally extend the possibility of working longer hours to up to 12 hours a day or 60 hours a week, as part of the extension of working hours during the state of emergency. According to the unions, this would allow many sectors to take advantage of this measure to make up for delays accumulated in recent weeks.
Minister Dan Kersch told RTL this was not true, and specified the measures put in place at the start of the crisis were still being maintained.
Only businesses deemed to be essential to the proper functioning of society will get the green light from the Minister to extend their working hours. Businesses approved by the ministry include 24 companies in the healthcare sector, as well as two hospitals. Cargolux is also included for transport and the cargo centre, as well as Sidor and two security companies. All other requests were refused because they were not considered essential to the proper functioning of society and that should not change, insisted Kersch.
Should companies from other sectors make a request, the Minister's line will remain the same - essential businesses only.
When the state of emergency ends, extended working hours will be expected to conclude as well, said Kersch.
