Söder's Part-Time Work Restrictions for Teachers Spark Controversy
Bavarian Minister President Markus Söder has sparked controversy with plans to restrict part-time work for civil servants, particularly teachers. The move has been met with criticism from teacher unions and even within his own coalition.
Söder's proposal aims to limit part-time work to children under 15 and increase minimum hours for such work. However, the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB) Bavaria has demanded expanded childcare before these changes, citing the need for dual-income families and education equity. They also criticize Bavaria's delay in allocating federal funds for full-day care.
The CSU will face a challenge persuading both unions and its coalition partner to support the changes, with skepticism and unrest already present within the coalition. Minister of Culture Anna Stolz had previously advocated for voluntarism in increasing teaching hours, a strategy that seemed successful before Söder's announcement. Söder's plan also includes prescribing up to 50 percent part-time work in 'application part-time'.
Söder's plans to restrict part-time work for teachers have raised concerns about potential teacher burnout and loss of trust in democracy. With unions criticizing the move as a 'betrayal of trust' and a 'slap in the face', the CSU will need to navigate these challenges to push through the changes.
