Brussels, 06/10/2004 (Agence Europe) - The draft directive on working hours, adopted last week by the European Commission has prompted some sharp reactions amongst employers and unions (EUROPE 23 September pp 7-8). The European Confederation of Independent Trade Unions (CESI) gave a rather mixed reaction. It welcomed the introduction of additional protection mechanisms to limit abuse of the opt-out but categorically rejected the Commission's proposals on on-call time. According to Secretary General of the Confederation Helmut Müllers, "The introduction of a definition of on-call time would consolidate the entirely unacceptable status quo, which is found above all in hospitals, and which is contrary to the meaning of the legal precedent of the European Court of Justice". He added that, "On-call time must be considered working hours and time off in lieu must follow immediately thereafter". CESI is therefore calling on the EP and Council to amend the proposal.