What does EU law state regarding the treatment of part-time workers?

EU law establishes that part-time workers must not be treated less favorably than full-time workers unless there is an objective justification for such treatment. This principle is rooted in the EU Directive 97/81/EC on the framework agreement on part-time work, which aims to prevent discrimination against part-time employees compared to their full-time counterparts.

The rationale behind this regulation is to promote equality in the workplace and ensure that part-time workers enjoy similar rights and benefits proportionate to the hours they work. For instance, this includes provisions related to pay, access to training, and other employment conditions.

The legal framework encourages employers to provide equivalent treatment for both categories of workers, fostering an inclusive work environment. If an employer does decide to treat part-time workers less favorably, they must be able to provide a legitimate reason that is justifiable based on objective factors. This protects part-time workers from arbitrary discrimination and recognizes their contributions to the labor force on equal footing with full-time employees.

This understanding forms the basis of labor law principles within the EU, reflecting a commitment to fair treatment and equality in the workplace.