For the ETUC, the Working Time Directive is a key element of Social Europe.

The European Parliament, in its first reading, has proposed far-reaching amendments to the initial proposals of the Commission, which were adopted in its plenary session of 11 May 2005 with a clear and convincing majority, drawing support across all major political groups.

The democratic vote of the European Parliament, cannot and must not be ignored.

The Commission, as guardian of the European Treaties, must confront Member States with the necessary limits to competition and free market forces as acknowledged from the very birth of the first European Economic Community in all its Treaties until today. The Commission, in view of its own Lisbon agenda and frequently reiterated policy objectives, cannot support a policy that advocates flexibility without security.

The Commission should take to heart the strong messages coming from the populations of two of the very first Member States of the European Community, France and the Netherlands, where the support for the European project is at an unprecedented low, because citizens want a Europe with a strong social and popular dimension, and do not believe anymore in only nice words.

The ETUC asks President Barroso and the Commission to do everything within their competence:
  to ensure that the Commission proposals for revision of the Working Time Directive are compatible with the Charter of Fundamental Rights, as incorporated in the Draft Constitution;
  to preserve the basic principles of the Working Time Directive;
  to put an end to the individual opt-out;
  to support the package of measures proposed by the European Parliament, because it offers a fair deal to enterprises and workers across the European Union;
  to convince the Council of Ministers that support for the key amendments of the European Parliament is the only way forward that will be understood by Europe’s citizens and workers.