Working Time Directive in Europe

2007-03-08 10:33:40

( Computers )



In 1993 the European Union established the Working Time Directive to allow workers to render only 48 hours per week in order for them to spend time with their families and so as not to sacrifice the health and well being of the employee. The working time directive also provides provisions for shift work, breaks, daily and weekly rests, annual leave, shift work, night work and patterns of work.

The EU working time directive affects all people in the public and private sectors except those that work for the transport sector: air, sea, shipping, road, rail and those doctors that go into training.

The EU working time directive has the following conditions:

An employee can only work for a maximum of 48 hours per week including any overtime.

One is entitled to 11 hours rest for every 24 work hour period rendered

Twenty minute rest breaks be given for any work period exceeding 6 hours.

A weekly rest period of one day (uninterrupted for 24 hours)

At least four weeks annual leave to be given, which cannot be converted into cash. It is only at the resignation of the employee that these leaves can be converted to cash.

Work hours of those on night shift should only be an average of 8 hours per day

Night workers should have a medical check up before they are placed on night shift; periodical checks should also be done on them.

For night workers should be shifted to a day shift should the check up show any health problems.

EU companies should report their employees working on night shift to the proper authorities. They should also provide the necessary safety and health measures for people on night shift duty similar to those that work on day shift.

Companies may put into effect flexible working hours bearing in mind the maximum amount of hours that one can work per week, and the allowed break and rest times.


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