Transport policy: harmonization of social provisions

The resolution calling for close monitoring of legislation affecting working hours and safety in the transport sector drafted by Mr. Mathieu Grosch (EPP, B) was adopted by the Parliament. The Parliament called for the following : - regular and uniform monitoring of regulations, penalties that have a sufficient deterrent effect and maximum use of the new technologies for transport monitoring and safety; - the Council and the Commission to adopt a clear definition of the term 'working time'. In the transport sector, working time must include not only driving time and time spent loading, but also the other time during which the worker is at his employer's disposal for the purpose of work; - the Council and the Commission to define dependent employment and self-employment in order to put a stop to ostensible independence; - clear definition of liability between those giving orders and those carrying them out; - mutual recognition of training and access to professions in the transport sector to be a basic principle so as to ensure freedom of movement for employees; this also pre-supposes a harmonised level of general and vocational training adapted to requirements and compliance with equal opportunities for men and women; - an evaluation of measures in the transport sector in terms of their impact on jobs, working conditions and mobility in general.�