The European Parliament approves improved temporary agency work directive

The European Parliament this week has approved the improved directive on temporary agency work with a clear majority. The directive requires the principle of equal treatment for agency workers from the first day of their use noted exemptions are limited and only with involvement of social partners.

The directive reflects the principle of equal treatment of temporary workers and ordinary workers in the company, not only nationally but also across borders. This is very important in the current era of increased mobility of workers and services. The directive also gives an important role to the social partners.

Under the new directive a waiting period before the general application of the principle of equal treatment will no longer apply, deviations are possible only by collective agreement or - under certain conditions - by an agreement between the social partners at national level.

John Monks, General Secretary of the European Trade Union Confederation said: "This is a very welcome signal that the deadlock in the development of social Europe is broken and social progress at EU level is necessary and possible."