EU: the European Parliament’s Employment Commission unravels the compromise laboriously developed by the 27 Social Ministers

MEPs from the European Parliament's Commission on Employment and Social Affairs adopted, today, November 5, the report by Spanish MEP Alejandro Cercas on the draft revision of the working time directive. This report, adopted with 35 votes for, 13 against and 2 abstentions, unravels the compromise reached with much effort by the Twenty-Seven Labor Ministers (see our dispatch No. 080696). MEPs from the commission say that the opt-out must be removed 36 months after the enforcement of the directive and on-call time considered as working time. The plenary assembly of the Parliament still has to confirm this position, radically opposed to the position of the governments, but the chances that this revision will succeed are increasingly small. (Ref. 080858)
Enjoy this article for free while you’re in your trial period
You have access to our content for 1 month.

End of the opt-out. Concerning the opt-out, Alejandro Cercas reminded shortly after the vote that, originally, “this clause was temporary, to help Great Britain adjust to European regulations.” Yet, after several years of blocking, Member States agreed in June to keep giving this derogation to the British in exchange for a step forward regarding temporary work. The joint position (see our dispatch No. 080696) recognized the possibility to derogate from the 48-hour threshold provided for in the

You are reading this article thanks to your trial period.
Explore new horizons by checking out our other verticals:
You are reading this article thanks to your subscription to Mind Retail.
Explore new horizons by checking out our other verticals:
Do you have information to share with us?
What you absolutely must read this week
The essential content of the week selected by the editorial team.
See all
France: sectors feel economic slowdown to differing degrees
The latest data on France’s occupational sectors (branches professionnelles), covering the year 2023, show how employment trends are shaping workplace dynamics. After a more favourable period for...
United Kingdom: Parliament finally passes Employment Rights Bill
The UK Labour government's flagship reform of employment rights was passed by both houses on 16 December after a turbulent parliamentary process. The bill introduces numerous changes to labour...
18 December 2025
EU: social partners in telecoms sign joint statement on AI
On 16 December, the social partners in Europe's telecommunications sector unveiled a joint statement on artificial intelligence. They propose an action plan for skills and commit to raising...
18 December 2025
EU: MEPs demand directive on algorithmic management
Members of the European Parliament have called for a directive on algorithmic management. Such legislation would introduce obligations for companies to inform employees, assess health and safety...
17 December 2025
Most viewed articles of the month on mind HR
What readers clicked on the most last month.
What readers clicked on the most last month.
1
Spain: new terms and conditions for in-company training contracts
On 25 November, Spain's Council of Ministers approved a regulation on training contracts. This text defines the terms and conditions for hosting work-study students and interns doing professional...
2
France: sectors feel economic slowdown to differing degrees
The latest data on France’s occupational sectors (branches professionnelles), covering the year 2023, show how employment trends are shaping workplace dynamics. After a more favourable period for...
3
Germany: apprenticeship openings fall sharply in manufacturing and chemicals
From 1 January 2026, Dutch collective agreements for temporary employment agencies will alter the employment conditions of temp workers. Agencies will be required to pay these workers at least the...