Negotiations with EU governments on the revised rules for the posting of workers can start after the European Parliament gave the green light.

The reform of the rules on the posting of workers aims to ensure better protection of posted workers and fair competition for companies. The key changes compared to the 1996 Directive govern the remuneration of posted workers, the duration of the posting, collective agreements and temporary agency workers.

“Now that Council is ready to join the European Parliament at the negotiating table, we are very eager to finalise a Posting of Workers Directive that is up to date and fit for purpose. Things are moving in the right direction, but the devil is in the details. We will pay particular attention to the road transport issue, to make sure that the revision strikes the right balance between the freedom to provide services and better protecting workers”, rapporteurs Elisabeth Morin-Chartier (EPP, FR) and Agnes Jongerius (S&D, NL) said.

 

Next steps

The Parliament and the Council are expected to start talks in November, with the aim of reaching a first-reading agreement.

 

Quick Facts

In 2015, there were 2.05 million posted workers in the EU. Poland, Germany and France are the biggest senders of posted workers, while Germany, France and Belgium are the biggest receivers.

Posting is particularly frequent in key sectors such as the construction sector, the manufacturing industry, education, health and social services and business services. Posting has increased by 41,3% between 2010 and 2015.

More than half of the postings occur between neighbouring member states, with an average duration of 98 days.