Lib Dem slams Labour MEPs for voting to drop working time opt-out

1.33.35pm UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 22nd Jan 2004

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.