Against the backdrop of the protest march staged by the European Confederation of Trade Unions on the streets of Strasbourg, the European Parliament is called to discuss in a plenary session the revision of the working time directive. The Parliament is to vote the proposal at second reading. The most controversial parts are the possibility to establish through a direct agreement between the employee and its company – a limit of 60/65 hours per week, as well as the compulsoriness of Sunday work for some sectors and professions. "MEPs explains a statement released by the EU Parliament – are asking that workers be not allowed to work more than an average of 48 hours a week in every member State," and are against the opt-out proposed by the Council. The directive’s course started 5 years ago. The directive was voted at first reading in 2005. The Council of Ministers then added a provision in September 2008, even though Spain and Greece had voted against it and Belgium, Cyprus, Malta, Portugal and Hungary had abstained. (continued) ” “
