Organisation of working time: sectors and activities excluded from the directive 93/104/EC. White paper

The Committee adopted a report by Raphäel CHANTERIE (EPP, B) commenting the Commission White Paper on sectors and activities excluded from the working time directive (93/104/EC). The directive does not apply to the transport sector, sea fishing, other work at sea, doctors in training and the self-employed. The Committee stressed that this exclusion is based on political and economic reasons rather than social considerations. Whereas approximately 6 million workers are excluded from the scope of the directive, only a limited number works in mobile occupations. The Committee suggests that "non-mobile" workers must be brought fully within the scope of working time directive. Also the "mobile" workers should enjoy full protection in either via the working time directive or via specific legislation providing at least the same level of occupational safety as the original directive. Sufficient allowance should be made for characteristics peculiar to the sectors and activities concerned. The Commission should submit a proposal to amend the directive by the end of this year. The Committee points out that there is a link between occupational and operational safety in the transport sector for both workers and passengers, as well as for the environment. The Community should acquire instruments to control excessive working time and harmonize penalties against it. �