It seems some Europeans resent the fact that British workers are allowed to work more than 48 hours per week.
The EU’s Working Time Directive, passed in 1993 as a health and safety measure, caps the workweek at 48 hours. Most of the EU’s 25 members signed on to it, but the U.K. and Malta have always exercised the option to opt out. Many members, however-and particularly France-say the opt-out option gives those countries an unfair advantage. They want it eliminated-and are proposing legislation to do just that.
In other words, it’s not fair that Britons are willing to work harder than continentals. The latter group won’t be satisfied until the UK’s 5.4 percent unemployment rate climbs to the 7.9 percent rate inside the “Eurozone.”
