login
login
Image header Agence Europe
Europe Daily Bulletin No. 8731
Contents Publication in full By article 34 / 42
GENERAL NEWS / (eu) eu/independent trade unions/working time

Helmut Müller says working time directive must not be watered down

Brussels, 21/06/2004 (Agence Europe) - Disappointed by the Commission's proposal on reviewing the directive on working time, the European Confederation of Independent Trade Unions (CESI) restated its request to keep the current distinction between "working time" and "rest period", and to apply the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice (see EUROPE of 19 May, p.17). "This is not only a question of costs, but also a question of organisation of work. It is clear that the protection of health and safety continue to take priority", CESI General Secretary Helmut Müller said in a declaration. In his view, the Commission's proposal does not meet CESI expectations, as "it tries to solve the problem of on-call time simply by the introduction of a new definition ("inactive part or on-call time"), which contradicts the spirit of the jurisidiction of the Court of Justice". He went on to add: "Obviously, some Member States put pressure on in order to avoid the costs resulting from employment of the necessary additional personnel".

Contents

A LOOK BEHIND THE NEWS
THE DAY IN POLITICS
GENERAL NEWS
WEEKLY SUPPLEMENT