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Liz LynneLiberal Democrat MEP for the West Midlands 1999-2012 |
Lib Dem slams Labour MEPs for voting to drop working time opt-out
January 22, 2004 1:33 PM
Today at the European Parliament MEPs voted on the European Commission's
consultation on the EU Working Time Directive - legislation that regulates
the working hours of European employees.
The Commission asked MEPs if they thought workers should continue to have
the right to opt-out from a maximum 48-hour week, as current legislation
allows. After arguing that the opt-out is open to abuse by employers, UK
Labour MEPs and European Socialists voted to drop the clause.
West Midlands Liberal Democrat MEP Liz Lynne said,
"By signalling that they wish to see this clause go, Labour MEPs have
broken ranks with their own government's supposed commitment to a flexible
labour market and a competitive UK economy.
"Of course there must be adequate provision against workers opting out
under duress, but this is not best achieved by removing the opt-out
altogether"
She Said
"I believe we should maintain the opt-out for the sake of European
competitiveness, as well as for less well paid workers who rely on the
opt-out to make up earnings through overtime. What needs to be done is to
make sure that whatever it is used to, the opt-out is truly voluntary, and
protects the best interests of workers"
ENDS
NOTE TO EDITORS:
Liz Lynne MEP is ELDR shadow rapporteur on the European Commission's
Consultation on the organisation of working time.
For further information, comment or to book an interview, please telephone
Liz Lynne on 0032 2284 7521 (Brussels) or 077644 52725 (mobile) or Press
Officer Stuart Ritchie on 01789 266354.
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