Photo: UHH/Esfandiari
The University of Hamburg is the scientific home to more than 6,200 researchers. Every 2 weeks, we offer a glimpse into their work as part of the “Research and Understanding” series in the Hamburger Abendblatt. In this edition, Dr. Nikolai Huke explains why there is a disconnect between legal norms and everyday working life in Germany, and why many workers are confronted with illegal, exploitative working conditions on a daily basis.
In Germany, the workplace is, in theory, strictly regulated. From maximum working hours and mandatory rest periods to the specific conditions under which a contract can be terminated, the law is designed to protect. Yet, while German labor law offers a high level of formal protection, the reality on the ground is often very different. In many industries and employment relationships, these laws are selectively or even systematically ignored. Employees work through their breaks, handle hazardous substances without protective gear, or lift heavy loads that put their long-term health at risk. When occupational safety regulations are brushed aside, the physical and mental consequences for workers can be severe.
Surprisingly, few workers take action against these illegal practices. To understand why—and to uncover the consequences for the world of work as a whole—I am conducting in-depth interviews with affected individuals and staff at counseling centers.
The interviews highlight the immense...
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