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Family Friendly Work Practices For Civil Servants in Germany

by Nik Hole
February 1st 2001

The German government has drafted a new law on equality between the sexes in the civil service. The law has been tabled by Dr Christine Bergmann, Federal Minister for the Family, Seniors, Women and Youth.

Women make up 45 per cent of the employees in the public services but fill only 13 per cent of senior posts. At the other end of the scale they are over-represented in low-paid and part-time jobs. And those on part time generally share their role with other women.

The new law will allow for preferential treatment for women to ensure equality of training, appointment and promotion. No job applicant of either sex shall be subject to discrimination because of family commitments, reduced availability for work or fewer years of experience.

Regulations on part-time working are being tightened to ensure all employees have the right to reconcile family and job responsibilities. Both sexes shall have equal access to part-time work and time out as long as urgent service requirements are met.

Workers must enjoy equal entitlement to sabbatical years. Employees with family commitments who decide to join a training course while they are on leave shall have the right to remuneration or extra leave. If a firm decides to reduce staff, the women shall not be more precariously placed than men.

Job descriptions must in future be free "of male-oriented phrasing" and public service correspondence "shall be couched in terms that do justice to sexual equality."


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