The European Union reached an agreement today to grant temporary workers the same rights, such as pay and vacation, as regular workers, according to press reports. The deal also allows workers to opt out of a maximum 48-hour workweek. The International Herald Tribune said the deal ended a conflict by some countries that wanted more workers rights, such as France, and those that wanted more flexible rules, such as Great Britain.

Staffing giant Adecco SA said it welcomed the compromise move. "As it stands, the council's decision leaves sufficient flexibility at member states level in adapting and/or implementing the equal treatment principle (e.g. qualifying period, by collective agreement, tripartite bodies)," according to Adecco.