ETUC Statement on the situation in the Gaza Strip

ETUC Statement on the situation in the Gaza Strip

The ETUC expresses its grave concerns at the unconscionable humanitarian situation in Gaza. The ETUC calls for immediate and effective EU and international initiatives to alleviate the intolerable humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip against the background of the blockade enacted by the government of Israel.
Document Published on 12.05.2025
ETUC on the Passing of Pope Francis

ETUC on the Passing of Pope Francis

The European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) is saddened by the passing of Pope Francis, a global voice for dignity, justice, and solidarity. His unwavering support for workers' rights, fair wages, and social justice inspired millions and resonated deeply with our trade union mission. 
Document Published on 21.04.2025
Joint European Trade Union Statement on the Omnibus Proposal: A Direct Attack on Workers’ Rights and Corporate Accountability
ETUC-ETUFs

Joint European Trade Union Statement on the Omnibus Proposal: A Direct Attack on Workers’ Rights and Corporate Accountability

The European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) and the European Trade Union Federations (ETUFs) jointly condemn the European Commission’s Omnibus proposal, which constitutes a direct assault on corporate accountability, workers’ and trade union rights, and environmental protections. The European Parliament must reject this disastrous package and ensure that the core objectives of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) as well as the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CS3D) and the protections provided therein are safeguarded from this deregulation agenda.
Document Published on 25.03.2025
Statement on Savings and Investments Union / Capital Markets Union

Statement on Savings and Investments Union / Capital Markets Union

Statement on Savings and Investments Union / Capital Markets Union Adopted at the Executive Committee meeting of 04-05 March 2025   What can the trade unions expect from the Savings and Investments Union (CMU) ?
Document Published on 07.03.2025
  • Statement on Belarus
    Stand with Belarus

    Statement on Belarus

    We welcome European Parliament resolution and reiterate that free trade unions are the cornerstone of democracy.
    Document Published on 21.01.2025
  • Statement by the ETUC and the CCSCS regarding the possible conclusion of negotiations on the EU-MERCOSUR Association Agreement
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    Statement by the ETUC and the CCSCS regarding the possible conclusion of negotiations on the EU-MERCOSUR Association Agreement

    Statement by the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) and the Coordinadora de Centrales Sindicales del Cono Sur (CCSCS) regarding the possible conclusion of negotiations on the EU-MERCOSUR Association Agreement  
    Document Published on 07.11.2024
  • Social Partners call for better involvement in Economic Governance

    Social Partners call for better involvement in Economic Governance

    Joint statement by the ETUC, SGI Europe and SME United, calling for a factual and material involvement of social partners in the economic governance and the EU Semester The REGULATION (EU) 2024/1263 of 29 April 2024 on the effective coordination of economic policies and on multilateral budgetary surveillance states that the involvement of social partners, among other relevant stakeholders, in the European Semester is key to ensuring national ownership of economic and fiscal policies as well as transparent and inclusive policy-making.
    Document Published on 22.10.2024
  • Message of the ETUC in view of the mobilisation of the Italian trade unions on the ‘DDL Sicurezza’

    Message of the ETUC in view of the mobilisation of the Italian trade unions on the ‘DDL Sicurezza’

    The European trade union movement expresses its deep concerns and opposition to the Italian Government’s plans to restrict the right to peaceful protest, a pillar of any democratic society. Article 12 of the European Union’s Charter of Fundamental Rights states clearly that “everyone has the right to freedom of peaceful assembly”. The Italian Government’s plans to criminalise dissent would clearly be a violation of the Charter, as well as Italy’s own Constitution.
    Document Published on 25.09.2024
  • Statement: Labour delivers important first step to protecting right to strike
    Labour delivers important first step to protecting right to strike

    Statement: Labour delivers important first step to protecting right to strike

    The ETUC congratulates the TUC and their affiliated trade unions on an important union victory for workers in Britain and throughout Europe. We welcome the commitment by the UK government that the anti-worker anti-strike Minimum Service Levels legislation will be repealed through the upcoming Employment Rights Bill. This legislation represented an attack on the ability of workers to win a decent, secure and dignified working life.
    Document Published on 09.08.2024
  • Adopted Resolution - On the offensive to combat gender-based violence in the world of work

    Adopted Resolution - On the offensive to combat gender-based violence in the world of work

    Adopted at the Executive Committee meeting of 24-25 June 2024 Introduction Preventing and combatting gender-based violence in the world of work is a key priority of the ETUC. The recently adopted Directive combatting violence against women and domestic violence fails to deliver meaningful provisions to make the world of work safer for women workers. It also fails to recognise our role as trade unions to end gender-based violence.
    Document Published on 02.07.2024
  • Adopted Resolution: For a ceasefire in Israel and Palestine and for peace in the Middle East

    Adopted Resolution: For a ceasefire in Israel and Palestine and for peace in the Middle East

    Adopted at the Executive Committee meeting of 24-25 June 2024 In its Action Programme, adopted at its 15th statutory congress, ETUC promotes a peaceful resolution in Palestine, the respect of international law and demands the right of all peoples to self-determination, including that the EU considers the impact on workers when deploying sanctions.
    Document Published on 28.06.2024
  • Voting for Europe: Securing a bright future, together
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    Voting for Europe: Securing a bright future, together

    At time of geopolitical crisis, it is even more important to support and strengthen European democracy. This is why the European social partners – ETUC, BusinessEurope, SGI Europe and SMEunited – are calling on those who are eligible to vote in the upcoming European elections to make their voices heard.  As representatives of trade unions and employers across Europe, we are united in our belief that participation in these elections is not just about electing policymakers; it is about securing a bright future for all and addressing the key challenges of our time. 
    Document Published on 23.05.2024
  • Joint EU Trade Union statement toward the Council negotiation on the revision of the European Works Council Directive

    Joint EU Trade Union statement toward the Council negotiation on the revision of the European Works Council Directive

    The revision of the European Works Council Directive was proposed by the European Commission at the request of the European Parliament. Regrettably, the European employers' organisations do not seem to appreciate this democratic practice. There is no other way to understand the public statement published on 22 March by Business Europe, Hotrec, EuroCommerce, European Banking Federation, ECEG and CEEMET and sent to the Employment Committee of the European Parliament and the Council.
    Document Published on 07.05.2024
  • ETUC statement on the agreement reached by the co-legislators on the Directive establishing the European Disability Card
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    ETUC statement on the agreement reached by the co-legislators on the Directive establishing the European Disability Card

    Last week, the European Commission and co-legislators reached a tripartite agreement on the Directive for a European Disability Card, marking a significant step towards enhancing accessibility and inclusivity across European Member States. The text was formally adopted today by COREPER. While this agreement signifies progress, it is imperative to acknowledge the pressing need to address the challenges faced by persons with disabilities, particularly concerning their entitlements when exercising their right to work and study abroad.
    Document Published on 21.02.2024
  • Yolanda Diaz address to ETUC Executive Committee
    Yolanda Diaz

    Yolanda Diaz address to ETUC Executive Committee

    Yolanda Diaz, Second Vice-President of the Government of Spain and Minister of Labour and the Social Economy, addressed the ETUC Executive Committee on 28 September in Madrid.  Please find the text of the address (in Spanish) in the link.
    Document Published on 28.09.2023
  • Joint call for a ban on deregulation for SMEs
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    Joint call for a ban on deregulation for SMEs

    CFDT, FO, CFTC UNSA and DGB with the support of the ETUC call for a ban on deregulation for SMES    Deregulation: no - Simplification: under strict conditions The Franco-German Initiative on the relief package for SMEs is disguised deregulation: SMEs fall in a legal no man’s land; Business cannot be above the law
    Document Published on 12.09.2023
  • ETUC reply to the first phase of the Social Partner Consultation on a possible revision of the European Works Council Directive (2009/38/EC)

    ETUC reply to the first phase of the Social Partner Consultation on a possible revision of the European Works Council Directive (2009/38/EC)

    ETUC reply to the first phase of the Social Partner Consultation on a possible revision of the European Works Council Directive (2009/38/EC) Adopted by written procedure on 22 May 2023 The European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) welcomes the European Commission’s intention to address the shortcomings of the European Works Council Directive (Directive 2009/38/EC) through a legally binding initiative.
    Document Published on 26.05.2023
  • Trade union statement to EU-Ukraine Summit on 3 February
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    Trade union statement to EU-Ukraine Summit on 3 February

    The European Trade Union Confederation and its affiliates, Federation of Trade Unions of Ukraine and Confederation of Free Trade Unions of Ukraine, fully support Ukraine and its people in the fight for democracy and sovereignty against Russian aggression. That was a year of shock and pain, devastating news and images, but also a year of bravery and consolidation of Ukrainian people and their unions and a year of solidarity, unity and support.
    Document Published on 02.02.2023