by Kate Holman
THE European Parliament voted by a big majority – 421 to 273 – to defy the position agreed by European Union leaders in June and renew their call to end Britain’s opt out from the Working Time Directive.
It should be phased out within three years, they declared, and periods when workers are “on call” should count as working time.
British Labour MEPs were split: 13 voted with the Parliament against the opt out but five – Gary Titley, Michael Cashman, Neena Gill, Glenys Kinnock and Robert Evans – voted to maintain the opt out.
Mr Titley said the Parliament had taken a clear position, but saw no likelihood of the British Government backing down. “Now we go into negotiations and it’s going to be a big battle. I can’t see how there’s going to be a meeting of minds.”
Trade unions lobbied heavily in advance of the vote. On Tuesday, 15,000 activists from across Europe demonstrated for limits on long working hours.
Gordon Brown’s Government insists its opt out is vital to the British economy. It lets individuals choose to work more than the 48-hour weekly maximum, although research shows they often come under pressure from employers.
Currently, 12.7 per cent of the British labour force works longer hours and the CBI claims ending the opt out will prevent workers from helping to save companies “fighting for survival”. The TUC says companies will have plenty of time to adjust before 2012.
