Commission launches second consultation on working time
As part of its review of the EU working time Directive, the European Commission has launched the mandatory second stage of consultation with workers’ and employers’ representatives at EU level. The social partners have until end of February 2011 to make their views known to the Commission on different options for amending the Working Time Directive.
The new consultation asks for social partners’ views on options to review EU working time rules. It also presents the main results of the first-stage consultation of the social partners and provides an overview of the latest evidence on working time trends and patterns, as well as the social and economic impact of the current rules in Member States. The second consultation seeks opinions on detailed options that cover key themes such as: (i) on-call time; (ii) timing of minimum rest periods; (iii) tackling excessive working hours; (iv) better reconciliation of work and family life; and (v) clarifying areas whether the law appears unclear.
During the second stage of the consultation, the social partners have until end of February 2011 to make their views known to the Commission. Based on those replies, the Commission will begin preparing a legislative proposal to amend the Directive. The legislative proposal would then need to be considered and agreed by the EU Council and the EU Parliament.
February 2011
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