Row rumbles over time
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• by Keith Nuthall The stage has been set for more political wrangling over the European Working Time Directive and how it is to be applied to hauliers following a European Parliament vote in favour of a list of amendments.
As expected, MEPs voted to accept proposals from their social affairs and legal committees (CM 7-13 June), Among other things these amendments require that self-employed drivers will be automatically included within five years of the directive's approval (ie two years until the directive is implemented with three years' grace
for self-employed drivers).
The only committee proposal not backed by the full parliament concerned time spent on call. The committees argued that this should be recorded as working time, but this suggestion was rejected.
The European Parliament could have simply voted through the original Council of Ministers' plan. However, the MEPs' vote effectively sweeps away the draft set by the council.
The whole issue will now be returned to the council to formulate a compromise version taking into account the MEPs' views—this will probably be achieved by autumn. After z compromise is agreed the draf directive will be re-presented t( the MEPs for final approval. It unlikely, but not impossible, tha the matter will rest without ( deal being struck.
The controversial issue o night working is one whict divides the two bodies.
The European Parliamen agreed that night work shouk not generally exceed eigh hours in any 24-hour period, bu the council is prepared to b( more flexible.
MEPs also want time spent ir the cab while double-manning t( be classified as working time,