Framework Agreement on Fixed-Term Contracts

Setting the right balance between the need to preserve the flexibility and the job creating dynamism generated by fixed-term work and the need to enhance labour market prospects and security for fixed-term workers, has been a matter for continuous debate and policy making at the Community level. In 1991, Directive 91/383/EEC was adopted, in order to encourage improvements in the safety and health at work of workers with a fixed-duration  employment relationship or a temporary relationship. Following further initiatives at the Community-level during the 1990s, the general cross-industry organisations, the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC), the Union of Industrial and Employers' Confederations of Europe (UNICE) and the European Centre of Enterprises with Public Participation (CEEP), concluded on 18 March 1999 a 'framework agreement on fixed-term work'.

On 28 June 1999 the Council adopted the Directive 1999/70/EC concerning the framework agreement on fixed-term work concluded by ETUC, UNICE and CEEP.