The Council and European Parliament have not made much progress on the 'work-life balance' directive during the 3rd interinstitutional meeting held on Tuesday 6 November.
Two main topics were on the negotiating table: carers’ leave and the adjustment of working conditions for parents. On the issue of caregivers, negotiators could move to a duration of 5 days a year, but without specifying a level of compensation. As a reminder, the European Parliament had kept the European Commission's proposal of five days and set the remuneration at 78% of gross salary (see EUROPE 12057), where the Council had deleted all minimum duration and remuneration (see EUROPE 12046).
Other subsidiary questions were on the table, such as the definitions of carer and relative, what is a ‘serious’ medical reason, or the bridging clause that had been developed by the Council (see EUROPE 12046).
On the second major point of discussion of the meeting, the debate would have focused in particular on the maximum age of the child during which parents can request flexibility in their work ('flexible working arrangements'). Discussions are also to have focused on the use of the term ‘adaptable’ instead of ‘flexible’. The reason would be that the term ‘flexible’ would have a negative connotation by suggesting that the effort would be on the side of employees rather than employers. Another outstanding issue: should employers' responses to employee solicitations be in writing or not?
The Austrian Presidency of the EU Council will now request a new negotiating mandate from the Member States.
The next interinstitutional meeting will be held on 19 November. Negotiations are likely to be difficult and may come up against parental leave, whether it is for the non-transferable period or the level of remuneration. (Original version in French by Pascal Hansens)