This directive puts into effect a general cross-industry agreement on parental leave and leave on the ground of force majeure that was concluded by industry organizations (UNICE, CEEP and the ETUC) on 14 December 1995. The organisations requested the European Union to make the minimum requirements of the agreement binding on the Member States. The agreement provides that subject to some conditions, workers are entitled to parental leave and to take time off from work in on grounds of force majeure for pressing family reasons due to sickness or accident necessitating the immediate presence of the worker.