16-06-2004: Working time Directive must not be watered down - protection of health and safety take priority

With regret the CESI has reacted to the recent proposals from the European Commission concerning the revision of the working time Directive 93/104/EC.
"With its second communication the European Commission clearly does not meet our expectations", declares Helmut Müllers, General Secretary of the CESI. "We are disappointed that the Commission tries to solve the problem of on-call time simply by the introduction of a new definition ('inactive part of on-call time'), which contradicts the spirit of the jurisdiction of the Court of Justice. Obviously, some member states put pressure in order to avoid the costs resulting from the employment of the personnel which is necessary in addition."
The CESI remains with its opinion of 10 March 2004 to retain the distinction between 'working time' and 'rest period' and demands for the jurisdiction of the Court to be complied with. "This is not only a question of costs, but also a question of organization of work", adds Helmut Müllers. "It is clear that the protection of health and safety continue to take priority."