Labour MEPs Blinded By Ideology On Working Time

12.00.27pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 11th May 2005

Tony Blair received another bloody nose today, this time from his own party. Just days after his majority was slashed in the general election Labour MEPs voted against his Government's line to scrap employees right to opt-out of the Working Time Directive.

Speaking following today's vote Liberal Democrat Employment Spokesperson Liz Lynne MEP said:

"Labour MEPs today showed that despite the best efforts of Number 10, old Labour is alive and well, and voting down the UK government line from Strasbourg. They are blinded by ideology and cant see the dangers of removing workers right to opt-out.

"They have effectively voted to boost the black economy where workers will have no protection rather than trying to get rid of the black economy by improving conditions for all workers. Of course there must be adequate provision against workers opting out under duress, but there are less drastic ways to achieve this. What is important is that wherever the opt-out is used it is truly voluntary, and reflects the best interests of workers.

"The opt-out is also crucial for UK competitiveness. It recognises important differences between the structure of the British labour market and that of other EU Member States, as well as giving workers the opportunity to earn more through overtime.

"Tony Blair now has a dilemma. He must decide to either back down from his long held view or show up the divisions in the Labour Party on this issue. I hope he holds his nerve and argues to keep the opt-out at the Council of Ministers next month."

ENDS