Working Time Directive: European Commission launches second phase of consultation to revise Directive, May 2004

In May 2004 the European Commission issued a consultation document which calls on workers' and employers' representatives (the 'social partners') at European level to play their role in proposing changes to bring the Working Time Directive up to date. If the social partners cannot agree a way forward the European Commission may introduce legislative proposals. This In Focus highlights some of the key information sources providing background and commentary on the subject.

EU: Legislation and Policy Making

	European Commission: DG Employment and Social Affairs: Working time documentation
	European Commission: Second Phase of Consultation of the Social Partners at Community level concerning the revision of Directive 93/104/EC concerning certain aspects of the organisation of working time, May 2004

EU: Background

	European Commission: Memo: MEMO/04/1 (05.01.04)
	European Commission: Press Release, IP/04/665 (19.05.04)

National/regional/local official organisation

	United Kingdom: Department of Trade and Industry: Working Time Regulations
	United Kingdom: House of Commons: European Standing Committee C: Report, 2004
	United Kingdom: Department of Health: European Working Time Directive: Information
	United Kingdom: House of Lords: Select Committee on the European Union: Report, 2004
	Ireland: Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment: Press Release, 14.03.04

Stakeholder organisation

	Trades Union Confederation (UK): Press Release, 26 May 2004
	Eurochambres: Position Paper, 2004
	Eurochambres: Press Release, 01.04.04
	Standing Committee of European Doctors: Press Release, 12.01.04
	European Trade Union Confederation: Press Release: 19.05.04
	Confederation of British Industry: Press Release, 19 May 2004
	BDA: Position Position Paper, march 2004
	European Public Health Alliance: Press Release, 01.06.04
	Small Business Europe: Working Time Directive Review, May 2004
	UEAPME: Position Paper, March 2004

Commercial publisher and media

European Sources Online: Financial Times

	20.05.04:	CBI to fight moves on work-time rules
	20.05.04:	Commission tries to cool debate on UK working hours opt-out
	19.05.04:	Employers may lose 'opt-out' under working time rules
	26.04.04:	Secret deal to boost EU worker rights
	31.03.04:	Employees feel forced to work long hours
	29.03.03:	UK gains German support in fight over working hours

European Sources Online: European Voice

26.02.04:

Ministers under pressure to scrap work hours opt-out

Related Topic Guides / In Focus

	In Focus: Working Time Directive: European Commission launches consultation, January 2004
	Topic Guide: Employment and labour Market Policy

Find further information on the subject of this week's In Focus.

Ian Thomson
Executive Editor, European Sources Online
Compiled: May 2004