The EU ensures no discrimination against part-time workers and requires employers to take account of employee preferences as regards flexible working.
Summary: The EU ensures no discrimination against part-time workers and requires employers to take account of employee preferences as regards flexible working.
The objective of the Directive 97/81/EC of December 15, 1997 is to eliminate discrimination against part-time workers, to facilitate the development of part-time work on a voluntary basis and to contribute to the flexible organisation of working time that takes account of the needs of employers and workers.
Employment conditions
In respect of employment conditions, i.e. pay, pension, benefits, vacation entitlement etc part-time workers may not be treated less favourably than full time workers solely because they work part time.
Social partners (e.g. trades unions), or Member states after consulting with social partners, may where appropriate make access to particular conditions of employment subject to a period of service, time worked or earnings qualification.
Needs of employers and workers
Wherever possible employers should give consideration to:
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Part-time working