The European Union has put in place a set of rules to ensure stronger social protection. These rules introduce minimum protection thresholds regarding working conditions. Thus, working time, part-time work, workers’ right to information and the posting of workers are regulated. Social protection at work has become one of the cornerstones of Social Europe.
Working conditions
Working hours
The EU has introduced common minimum standards on the work time applicable to all Member States. European legislation in the field of working time establishes individual rights for all workers, with a maximum working week of 48 hours, paid annual leave of at least four weeks per year, rest periods and rules on night work, shift work and working patterns.
Protection of new forms of employment
Over the years, Europe has experienced significant changes in the labour market, including digitalisation and the development of new technologies, increasing flexibility and fragmentation of work. These developments have generated new forms of employment, with an increase in temporary positions and atypical jobs.
To protect all EU workers and improve the rights of the most vulnerable employees on atypical contracts, MEPs adopted new rules in 2019 introducing minimum rights on working conditions.
The legislation provides for protective measures such as:
- limiting the length of the trial period to six months,
- the introduction of free compulsory training and
- the prohibition of restrictive contracts.
In April 2024, Parliament approved new rules aimed at improving the conditions of workers in digital platformssuch as Uber and Deliveroo. The rules aim to:
– correct the employment status of workers who may have been misclassified as self-employed.
– regulate the use of algorithms and AI to monitor or manage employees, so that workers cannot be fired based on a decision made by AI or algorithms
– better protect workers’ data – personal data and exchanges with colleagues cannot be exploited
Telework
While teleworking has increased efficiency and flexibility for employers and employees, it has also blurred the line between work and private life. To ensure that the widespread use of digital tools does not hamper employees’ rights, Parliament has called for a European law on their rights. allowing you to disconnect from work outside working hours without consequences. MEPs also want minimum standards for remote working.
