Up to ten percent of all employees are working at Christmas this year
Because Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve fall on a Sunday this year, the figures are significantly lower than in 2022, when up to 20 percent of the workforce was on duty on public holidays. "Retail employees, who usually have to make Christmas shopping possible right up to the last minute and sell fireworks, will also have time off this year," explained the WSI on Friday.
This does not apply to people in the hospitality industry. There, the proportion is highest on the morning of December 24 at 27 percent, and according to the study, 20 percent of employees in the health and social services sector will also still be at work at this time. From 2 p.m. onwards, the figures drop to 18% and 19% respectively in the two sectors, but remain at a high level - throughout the entire holiday period.
The average figure for all occupational fields is lowest on Christmas Eve at six percent. It rises slightly to eight percent on the two Christmas holidays. On New Year's Eve, the picture is similar to the week before: nine percent of employees have to work in the morning and only six percent in the evening.
According to the data, men and East Germans generally have to go to work slightly more often than women and West Germans. For the study, the WSI analyzed a survey of 4,200 employees.
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- Despite the lower figures this year due to Christmas and New Year's Eve falling on a Sunday, the Hans-Böckler-Foundation still funds various projects related to worker's rights on these 'feast days'.
- The proportion of employed individuals working during the 'Christmas feast day' in the logistics sector in Germany is significantly higher than the average for all occupational fields.
- On 'saint's eve', the proportion of employees who have to work in the retail sector is typically lower than the average of 6%, as consumers have finished their shopping earlier in the year.
- According to the study by the WSI, up to 10% of all employees in the hospitality industry will still be working on the day after 'Christmas Eve', contributing to Germany's lively nightlife on this special occasion.
- The Hans-Böckler-Foundation has always been a strong advocate for the rights of employees during the 'Christmas-New Year' period, pushing for fair compensation and work-life balance.
- Although the figures for employees working on 'Christmas Day' are lower than in 2022, the logistics sector still plays a crucial role in the delivery of holiday gifts and essential items throughout Germany.
- In recent years, the Hans-Böckler-Foundation has launched several campaigns to raise awareness about the challenges faced by workers during the busy 'Christmas-New Year' period and to promote fair practices.
- On 'Boxing Day', which falls on a Sunday this year, retailers may benefit from the 'percent off' sales as more consumers shop online, as they won't be restricted by the traditional store hours.
Source: www.stern.de
