05-01-2004: European Commission launches consultation on working time

The European Commission is calling for all interested parties to contribute to a consultation on working time, following a report on the workings of current EU legislation in this area (Directive 93/104/EC). With a view to a future revision of the Directive the consultation asks for responses on five main issues:

•  the length of reference periods - currently four months, with certain provisions allowing for six months or a year;

• the definition of working time following recent European Court of Justice rulings on time spent on call;

• the conditions for the application of the opt-out;

• measures to improve the balance between work and family life;

• how to find the best balance of these measures.

The deadline for responses to the consultation is 31 March 2004. The text of the consultation can be found at: http://europa.eu.int/comm/employment_social/consultation_en.html. The bodies of CESI will elaborate an opinion on these issues.