Move to the right set to extend 48hr week
Page 5
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
• Moves to shorten the working week of Europe's truck drivers could be derailed by this week's shift to the right in the European Parliament.
European Parliament election results mean the centre-right has gained a majority. This is expected to hit plans by the European Commission to slash the working week of lorry drivers from more than 60 to 48 hours through the Working Time Directive.
EC officials expect the swing to the right—especially the arrival of more UK Conservative MEPs—to bring the European Parliament more in line with the other EU decision-making body. the proemployer Council of Transport Ministers.
Until now drivers' unions had banked on the Socialist-majority Parliament to act as a foil to ministers—especially as it had just gained powers to make it an equal partner with ministers for deciding new European laws.
This looks like the gallows are already prepared for the Working Time Directive." says an EC source.
The elections will also give encouragement to Finland next month as it takes over the presidency of the European Commission and tries to get agreement from the 15 transport ministers. Finland argues that drivers should not be subject to the night working provisions. which include an eight-hour limit. It also wants owner-drivers to be excluded from the directive's provisions.
Transport ministers meet today (17 June) to discuss the issue, but no agreement is expected.