All I can say is nothing like this would ever happen in the US. They can't even get a guaranteed 2 week vacation

German workers win right to 28-hour week
CNN by Alanna Petroff


http://money.cnn.com/2018/02/07/news/economy/germany-28-hour-work-week/index.html

"Labor union IG Metall secured an unprecedented deal this week to give a large portion of its 2.3 million members more flexible working hours and a big pay rise.

From next year, workers at many of Germany's top engineering firms -- such as Mercedes-Benz owner Daimler (DDAIF) -- can opt to work 28 hours a week for up to two years, before returning to the standard 35-hour week.

The deal was negotiated with representatives of more than 700 companies in southwest Germany. It is expected to have ripple effects across German industry.

'This sets the standard for everyone else,' said Megan Greene, chief economist at Manulife Asset Management.

IG Metall said the flexibility would help employees who want to care for children or relatives. Pay will be reduced to reflect the shorter working week. The deal also gives workers the option to work 40 hours to earn more.

German workers are taking advantage of low unemployment and strong economic growth to flex their muscles.

'You can expect similar deals to come in other sectors and regions soon,' said Famke Krumbmüller, a partner at OpenCitiz, a political risk consultancy.

And non-unionized workers could also benefit from the agreement as firms that employ IG Metall workers offer the same terms to their wider workforce."