New social rights, consolidation of existing social rights, and some missed opportunities
COFACE assessment of the EU work-life balance directive
The agreement on the EU Work-Life Balance Directive on 24th January 2019, its adoption by the European Parliament and the Council in April and June respectively, and the publication in the Official Journal of the EU on 12th July, has been a road full of hurdles. The Directive covers aspects of Time (family leaves and flexible working arrangements) and some of the Resources (through the adequate payment for certain leaves), and also paves the way for future action on access to Services.
While the agreement consists of lower standards than the initial European Commission proposal, the Work-Life Balance Directive, as the first legislative proposal to follow the proclamation of the European Pillar of Social Rights in November 2017, is a good step in the right direction. This is an important step for gender equality in Europe.
COFACE Families Europe launched last 15th March a thorough Assessment of the Directive.
The Assessment underlines how the Directive paves the way for a strengthening European values of gender equality, social inclusion, diversity and non-discrimination; examines the new minimum standards on paid family leaves (paternity, parental, carers); considers the employment rights and right to request flexible arrangements which hold potential to change workplace culture; and finally underlines some derogation clauses which require further assessment. The document ends with guidelines for transposition to consolidate national policies and legislation.
