EU blocks plan for a 48hr haulage week...
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by Martial Tardy and Sally Nash • Plans to impose a maximum 48-hour working week in the transport sector appear to have come unstuck, with most EU transport ministers rejecting the idea amid concerns over its enforcement.
At a meeting in impose 48hr limit. Luxembourg last week to discuss EL: Transport Commissioner Neil Kinnock's white paper on working hours, ministers from Germany, Spain, Portugal and Greece opposed further restrictions, claiming existing EU rules on driving time are adequate.
Ireland highlighted its geographical problems which may prove to be incompatible with a 48-hour week. "We have two seas to cross before reaching the Continent", said an Irish diplomat.
The UK and Belgium adopted a cautious tone. UK Transport Minister Gavin Strang voiced concerns over an undiscerning, wide-ranging enforcement of the 48-hour week. He said that "each transport mode must be considered on its own merits".
The Netherlands is understood to be concerned about increasing EU road transport legislation. France, Italy and Scandinavia spoke out in favour of the proposals but, according to an EU official, they all expressed doubts about effectively enforcing the new rules.
A German diplomat said his country feared "over regulation": Bonn's attitude is largely motivated by growing competition from Eastern European companies.
The Transport & General Workers Union says that despite opposition from some member states, it believes the EC would support legislation limiting working time.
TGWU national officer Ron Webb says that employers' organisations and unions throughout Europe have agreed to set up a working party to look at implementing the legislation. "This is a massive step forwards," he says. "Up until now employers were almost universally against it".
The Freight Transport Association says freight movers need to maintain flexibility to manage peaks and troughs of demand.