EIROnlineThe European Industrial Relations Observatory (EIRO) is a monitoring instrument offering news and analysis on European industrial relations. Its aim is to collect, analyse and disseminate high-quality and up-to-date information on key developments in industrial relations in Europe. It aims primarily to serve the needs of national and European level organisations of the social partners, governmental organisations and EU institutions.Social partners divided over stalemate in EU discussions on working time opt-out- January 9, 2007 During November 2006, employers and trade unions in the UK differed sharply in their responses to the failure of the Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council to agree on changes to the working time Directive. The Confederation of British Industry welcomed the retention of the current scope for individuals to opt out of the 48-hour maximum working week. However, the Trades Union Congress was critical of the outcome of the councils meeting, regarding it as a missed...http://www.eiro.eurofound.eu.int/2006/11/articles/uk0611039i.html |