Interpretative Communication on Directive 2003/88/EC concerning certain aspects of the organisation of working time

Summary:

Communication adopted by the European Commission on 24 March 2023, interpreting aspects of Directive 2003/88/EC on the organisation of working time.

Further information:

Directive 2003/88/EC - also known as the Working Time Directive - is seen as one of the cornerstones of the European Union's (EU) social model. It lays down minimum safety and health requirements for the organisation of working time in respect of periods of daily rest, breaks, weekly rest, maximum weekly working time, annual leave and aspects of night work, shift work and patterns of work.

This Communication updates another Interpretative Communication adopted in 2017 to reflect the more than 30 judgments and orders that the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) has rendered in the meantime. It consolidates into one single document all relevant case-law issued before and after the 2017 Interpretative Communication. It is intended to assist national authorities, citizens and businesses in the application of Directive 2003/88/EC.