29-09-2004: Mixed reaction from CESI to Commission's proposals on the organisation of working time

The European Confederation of Independent Trade Unions views the most recent proposals from the European Commission on the Review of the working time directive 93/104/EC with mixed feelings.
As regards the so-called opt-out (that is the possibility of deviating from the maximum working week of 48 hours), the CESI welcomes the introduction of additional safety mechanisms designed to limit misuse. “In this way, the Commission has adequately met our demands of 10 March 2004”, said CESI General Secretary Helmut Müllers. “The independent trade unions also support the regulations on reference periods for the maximum working week intended to ensure greater flexibility.“
“However, the CESI categorically rejects the Commission’s proposals on the Regulation of on-call time”, Müllers continued. “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 precedents of the European Court of Justice. On-call time must continue to be considered working hours and time off in lieu must follow immediately thereafter”, the CESI General Secretary maintained. “The independent trade unions therefore call upon the European Parliament and the Council to amend the proposal for a directive accordingly in the following legislative procedure.”