Austria Introduces Fresh Proposal

31-03-2006

Austria have laid down a fresh proposal on the EU Working Time Directive as it strives to reach a political agreement on the controversial legislation by June, when it's presidency ends.

However, instead of building bridges, the new proposal has resulted in a stalemate after a number of European countries, including Malta and the UK, have voiced their opposition.

Still reiterating the importance of the Working Time Directive opt out, those opposing it's removal have stuck to their guns. Studies conducted by the Maltese government show that the worst hit sectors would be health, tourism and police services if a limit on overtime was imposed.

According to figures published in Malta, it is estimated that the bill for providing health care if the opt out clause from the Working Time Directive is not retained will go up by the equivalent of £3.2m a year. The number of senior registrars in hospital will have to be doubled and 30% more junior doctors will be needed.

The police force will also require more officers and the tourism sector, which is a seasonal industry, would have to incur extra costs.

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