EU social affairs ministers this week agreed to extend the Working Time Directive

Date: 27/05/1999

to the rail, shipping and health sectors, but the European Commission has attacked the deal and vowed to continue its campaign for tougher legislation. “The fight will go on to the European Parliament,” said a Commission spokeswoman. The institution's anger was sparked by the decision to phase in the new rules governing junior doctors' working hours over 13 years instead of seven.