What You Should Know about the European Working Time Directive

2008-07-30 16:30:15

( Computers )



Legal Working Hours and Rest Periods Under the European Working Time Directive

The European Working Time Directive, set in 1993, sets the maximum legal working hours at 48 hours per week. The maximum applies whether you have a fixed time schedule or flexible working hours.

Besides the maximum hours, you are also entitled to at least an 11-hour rest period after your shift, as well as a full 24-hour rest day after six consecutive days of work.

Countries Covered by the European Working Time Directive

The EU Working Time Directive applies to all member states of the European Union. There are currently 27 recognized member states and 3 candidate countries. Some popular European countries, such as Norway and Switzerland, are not part of the EU. Hence, they don't conform to the EU's policies.

The EU's main goal is to standardize economic and political policies among member nations. Thus, EU countries have one common currency, the euro. Laws governing companies, especially labor laws, are also quite similar among the member states.

Your Rights Under the European Working Time Directive

If you're residing and working in a country that is a member of the EU, you enjoy not only the maximum 48-hour working time and its required rest periods per day and on weekends.

Aside from maximum working hours, you also get a minimum four-week vacation period for every year of employment.

Your rights also depend on which country you live in. If you're in France, you enjoy a 35-hour work week and if you work beyond that maximum, you are entitled to overtime benefits in cash or hours off. In many cases, companies would rather give you the extra time off for rendering overtime rather than compensate you monetarily.

Weaknesses of the European Working Time Directive

Unfortunately, the EU working time directive does have its exceptions. Member nations can still opt out of the limits set for maximum working hours, rest periods and vacation time.

UK, for instance, has opted out of the directive. Many UK companies managed to get around the directive because they have a mutual agreement with their employees. In short, the employees themselves had consented to work under UK working hours that exceed the EU maximum.

Furthermore, maximum or legal working hours set by the EU don't apply to mobile workers, especially field salespeople, doctors on call, and maritime employees.

Protecting Your Rights Under the EU Working Time Directive

Just as you do with any employer, you should always review your work contract before signing it. Read through the contract to know the company's policies about legal working hours, overtime, and other work arrangements.

You need to clarify gray areas with your employer even before you start working. As long as you know your rights, you shouldn't have any issues that may lead to fallouts with your employer.


All rights Reserved © Tradenet Services srl
Do not duplicate or redistribute in any form.