End long hours culture and bring UK into step with EU, urges Unite
Leaders of the UK’s biggest union, Unite have today (Tuesday) urged UK MEPs to put a stop to the UK’s long hours culture.
The call comes as Unite members are to take part in a mass protest against the UK keeping its opt-out on the EU Working Time Directive which is to take place in Strasbourg (Tuesday 16th December) ahead of a crucial European Parliament vote on Wednesday.
According to Unite joint general secretary, Derek Simpson, the time has come for the UK to get into line with the rest of Europe.
“UK Labour MEPs have voted time and again to end the opt-out. The Labour Party conference voted to end the opt-out,” said Derek Simpson.
“Wednesday is the day for the UK Government to get into step with the rest of the EU. End the opt-out, put a stop to the long hours culture in this country and give our members the Christmas present they deserve.”
Tony Woodley, joint general secretary of Unite added: “We need to enforce the 48 hour average week, not find back door ways to extend it. Tired, over-stretched workers are not productive workers and are putting themselves and others at risk such as in the transport industry where we know, for instance, that that tired drivers are more dangerous than drunk drivers.
“Time and again business has squealed that it cannot adapt to regulations, just as it did with the national minimum wage, only to find that the roof did not cave in when they did. It will be the same with working time. Companies will acknowledge that it is not necessary to exploit workers in order to stay in business.”
ENDS
For further information, contact Pauline Doyle 07976 832 861
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