Working Conditions in the Acceding and Candidate Countries

Ten new Member States will join the European Union in May 2004 as part of the current phase of enlargement. The differing norms in both living and working conditions across the continent pose real challenges for Europe's policymakers. Working conditions in the acceding and candidate countries provides the first important benchmark of the situation in all 13 countries. Gauging the status on issues ranging from stress in the workplace to types of employment or working hours, the report attempts to portray a realistic picture of the working environment of these countries as they take this critical step towards an enlarged Europe.