CEMR calls for a balanced review of the Working Time Directive that respects local autonomy and public service delivery
In response to the European Commission’s public consultation on the review of the Working Time Directive, the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) reaffirms its long-standing position: any revision must safeguard both the health and safety of workers and the ability of local and regional governments (LRGs) to deliver quality public services.
CEMR welcomes the opportunity for dialogue, while stressing the importance of flexibility, subsidiarity and legal clarity in any future proposals. The organisation emphasises that solutions must be tailored to the realities of the public sector at the local level and negotiated by social partners closest to those realities.
A Directive in need of modernisation… but not at any cost
Unchanged since 2003, the Working Time Directive is due for modernisation. However, CEMR warns that changes must not impose one-size-fits-all rules that hinder municipalities and regions’ capacity to organise their services effectively.
CEMR supports a legislative framework that allows space for social dialogue, enabling employer-employee solutions that reflect local conditions and needs. It also opposes extending the scope of the Directive to cover areas beyond health and safety, such as pay, reconciliation of work and private life, or new work patterns, which are either beyond EU competence or should be left to national and local arrangements.
Flexibility, Clarity and No Overreach
In its response, CEMR reiterates the need for:
- Flexibility to adapt working time rules to diverse services and contexts;
- Respect for local autonomy and social partner agreements;
- Clarity and legal certainty to avoid confusion and facilitate implementation;
- No new legislative initiatives until the full impact assessments are published and analysed.
CEMR’s position is rooted in its 2011 policy paper, which remains relevant due to the lack of substantial follow-up from the European Commission since its adoption. Until more is known from the latest assessments and stakeholder feedback, CEMR believes any legislative action would be premature.
“Local and regional governments are employers and service providers. They know best how to balance workers’ rights with the need to ensure essential services run smoothly, day and night.”
— Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR)
For more information, contact:
Officer – Employment, Digitalisation and Public Services
