For Labour MEPs the EU is much more than a free market for goods and services. Over the years we have worked to improve working conditions and set down minimum levels of workplace rights for all British and European workers. One of the first acts of the Labour government after 1997 was to sign the European Social Chapter guaranteeing these rights. Now you are covered wherever you work in the EU.

Know your rights: working hours and holidays

Shorter working hours: The 'long hours' culture dogs British industry, leading to ill health and stress as well as taking its toll on family life. That’s why Labour MEPs have voted through laws to limit the working week to 48 hours (which can be averaged out over a reference period). Some categories of workers such as transport workers, offshore workers and junior doctors were excluded from the original directive. However, we have now voted through laws to phase in protection for workers in these sectors. Workers can agree to waive the working time limit, but no-one can be forced to do this.

Paid leave: Thanks to the working time laws, since October 2000, all British workers are entitled to 4 weeks paid holiday. This applies to part-time workers and temporary workers who must have this right on a pro-rata basis.

One day off per week: Working time laws mean that every worker is entitled to at least one day off per week, proper breaks and at least 11 hours between shifts. Night work is limited to 8 hours.
Equal rights for part-time, temporary and agency workers

Labour MEPs believe that everyone should be protected at work, including those who work on part-time, temporary and agency contracts.

Part-time workers: 6m British citizens, mainly women, have benefited from the part-time workers law which guarantees equal rights to paid leave, pensions, maternity rights, access to training and other company perks and benefits. Many women workers in particular lost out before this law was adopted because they were not allowed to participate in the company pension scheme. An EU Court  ruling also made it possible for part-time workers to backdate their pension claims.

Temporary workers: Many people spend their working lives moving from temporary job to temporary job. In the past, they lost out on pay and rights such as holiday pay. Now EU law grants them protection, giving them comparable conditions to a full-time permanent contract. Up to 1.3m British workers have benefited.

Agency workers: Britain has one of the highest numbers of agency workers in the EU, around 700,000. Many people choose this work and are properly paid. But others find themselves doing the same job as other workers, but for longer hours, less money and limited or no sick pay or holidays. A new European law is under discussion to close the loopholes and give these workers proper protection.

Rights in company closure or take over and consultation rights

Company take-over: EU laws known as “TUPE” laws make sure that workers whose company is taken over retain their basic employment rights, including seniority and other rights.

Redundancy: EU law requires a minimum level of protection and consultation for workers facing redundancy or insolvency. Many people have lost out on pensions in the past when their company goes insolvent.

Information and Consultation: We hear all too often about workers who are the last to know when their company is closing or being taken over. Many find out their jobs are going by switching on the TV. Labour MEPs believe this is unacceptable and backed a new EU law, which gives workers a right to be consulted and informed on all significant changes affecting their company. The law will apply to companies with over 50 employees. This represents only 3% of EU firms, but accounts for around 50% of workers.

Health and safety at work

Though the number of deaths at work has been on a downward trend over the last 30 years (226 workplace deaths last year), work related deaths remain very high. Last year alone, for example, 6000 people died from work related cancers in the UK.

Health and safety at work is a priority for Glenis.  For more on her work in this area check out Campaigns

Asbestos: Estimates suggest that as many as 500,000 people in Western Europe will die as a consequence of previous exposure to asbestos. Working with asbestos has, of course, been strictly controlled in the UK for years. From 2005, the marketing and use of all forms of asbestos will be banned in the EU. But asbestos will continue to pose a risk for those working on older buildings, such as electricians, builders and plumbers. Labour MEPs have backed a new package of safety and training measures aimed at these workers.

Industrial deafness: 40,000 workers will be protected from industrial deafness thanks to a new law backed by Labour MEPs. The measure, to take effect from 2006, will also save an estimated £60b in lost time and compensation payments to EU businesses.

Vibration protection: workers operating machinery which vibrates, such as power tools, cleaning equipment and sewing machines, will get extra protection thanks to a new EU law to take effect from mid 2005. Uncontrolled exposure can lead to musculoskeletal strains and severe back pain – incapacitating workers and costing business money.

EU laws outlawing discrimination in the workplace on the grounds of race, age, gender, sexual orientation, religion or belief have also been adopted by MEPs