German unions seek later shifts during World Cup

Two German labour unions asked Tuesday that workers in the football-mad country be granted a sleep-in during Brazil World Cup matches that will be screened overnight in Europe. "Employers and works councils should discuss amending working hours, if possible, so that employees can watch the World Cup games," said Michael Vassiliadis, chairman of the Mining, Chemicals and Energy Union IG BCE. He hopes bosses would respond with more generous offers than "a disdainful 'it's not on'," he was quoted as saying by the top-selling Bild newspaper. Construction union IG BAU chairman Robert Feiger told the daily that when matches start later than 10:00 pm local time in Germany, shifts should start later the following day "where possible". "It would be a fine move on part of bosses if they showed themselves to be flexible during the World Cup," he said. Because of the time difference with Brazil, many World Cup matches are due to be broadcast starting between 10:00 pm and midnight (2000 to 2200 GMT) in Germany. The chairman of the group Young Entrepreneurs, Lencke Wischhusen, agreed that companies, where possible, should delay the start of working shifts during the sporting event. A politician of Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservative party also voiced understanding for the demand in the football-obsessed country, whose national side has won the World Cup three times. Wolfgang Steiger, head of the economic council of the ruling Christian Democratic Union, said: "We bosses should be able to accommodate our employees in matches where Germany is playing."