4th April 2006, 01:33 PM
Whether being 'forced' to work long hours is oppressive or not depends on how you are paid. People often want to work long hours if they are getting paid overtime on an hourly rate.
As I understand it, the UK's 'opt-out' and amendments to the directive were put in place because of the unpopularity of the directive in this country, where it was perceived as putting compulsory restrictions on your income. I believe that, in its un-modified form, the Directive means that you can't work more than 48 hours in any individual week, even if you want to; and I think it is implemented in that form in many EU countries. In France, there was a law that compulsorily restricted working hours to 35 - with fines for individuals who worked longer (not for their employers!). Not sure if this is still in place.
1man1desk
to let, fully furnished
As I understand it, the UK's 'opt-out' and amendments to the directive were put in place because of the unpopularity of the directive in this country, where it was perceived as putting compulsory restrictions on your income. I believe that, in its un-modified form, the Directive means that you can't work more than 48 hours in any individual week, even if you want to; and I think it is implemented in that form in many EU countries. In France, there was a law that compulsorily restricted working hours to 35 - with fines for individuals who worked longer (not for their employers!). Not sure if this is still in place.
1man1desk
to let, fully furnished