Working Time Directive revision: state of play

On 15 November 2011, the European Commission issued a statement regarding the current status of the review of the Working Directive, which was launched in 2010. As well as providing an overview of the Directive’s main provisions, the press release indicates that prior to making any legislative proposal related to social policy, the Commission has to consult with representative social partner organisations. In this respect, and in accordance with the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, the social partners have decided to launch talks and have 9 months to reach an agreement. If an agreement is reached, the social partners can ask for its implementation as a Directive. The Council may then either adopt it, or reject it, by qualified majority, but may not amend it. The Parliament is informed, but is not a co-legislator. In the event that no agreement is reached by the social partners, it is then up to the Commission to present a legislative proposal, based on the consultations and impact assessment work conducted in 2010.

More Information: Commission Press Release