On the incorrect application in Italy of Directive 2003/88/EC on the organisation of working time 

The petitioner complains about the incorrect application in Italy of Directive 2003/88/EC on the organisation of working time, in particular in hospitals and healthcare centres. This Directive stipulates, inter alia, that working time should not exceed 48 hours per week and that a rest period of 11 hours should be taken between shifts. The petitioner also complains about Law No 161 of 2014, by which Italy has transposed the above-mentioned European directive into Italian law, with the consequent closure of infringement procedure No 2011/4185. The petitioner points out that a failure to rest increases the likelihood of error on the part of the healthcare professional, with obvious risks to the care services provided to citizens. The petitioner stresses the urgency of immediate action, and calls for the opening of a new infringement procedure against Italy in order to ensure the health of citizens, in compliance with regulatory obligations set at EU level.