MEPs have backed rules that set new working hour limits for long-distance lorry drivers. Controversially, however, the 48-hour week limit will apply to both salaried and self-employed drivers.
The European Commission had sought to exclude independent drivers from the draft working time directive and the decision by MEPs in Strasbourg to include them has been widely condemned.
Irish ALDE member Marian Harkin predicts that including self-employed workers would be hugely damaging and will lead to a heavier administrative burden. She said, “This legislation will have a significant impact on drivers and put them out of business at a time when we are trying to encourage entrepreneurs to start up."
The European Small Business Alliance (ESBA) also condemned the proposal as disastrous. ESBA President Tina Sommer said, "By deciding against a Commission proposal which aims to exclude independent self-employed drivers in the transport sector from a Directive that rigorously restricts working hours, Parliament has set a dangerous precedent in interfering in the manner in which self-employed organise their working time."
UKIP MEP Derek Clark agreed, saying, "This is yet more hyper-regulation from Brussels, which will do nothing but increase costs on the self-employed.”
Commission vice president Siim Kallas responded, "The Commission takes note of the position taken by Parliament and will review possible options, including a withdrawal of the proposal. However, since the Commission legislative proposal was preceded by a broad assessment of the situation, the Commission does not see the need to restart extensive studies on the issue. Instead, acting as guardian of the treaties, it will do what is necessary to ensure compliance by the Member States."
For more information see:
