Brussels, 12/10/2012 Commenting the Nobel Peace Prize awarded by the EU, Bernadette Ségol, ETUC General Secretary said: “This is good news and a welcome reminder of the EU’s historical contribution to peace since its foundation. But we also need now to ensure social peace in the Union. A first step would be for a reversal of current austerity policies and the adoption of the Social Compact for Europe that the ETUC has proposed”.

Brussels, 11/10/2012 On the occasion of the Commission’s publication, ETUC reaffirms its industrial policy orientations: - The need to invest in innovative policies in forward-looking industries. Europe needs investments for a sustainable economy; a green economy. In particular, investments in transport and energy, in particular. - The need to promote and provide the means and resources for training so as to have a qualified workforce –a key element of any industrial policy.

Brussels, 09/10/2012 “The international trade union movement is united in this call for a vote against the FTA. To do otherwise would disregard the appalling human rights record in Colombia and continued labour violations in Peru and would damage the EU’s reputation as a leading force in the promotion of human rights and basic freedoms”, states a joint letter sent to MEPs ahead of the EP’s decision on the FTA. The EP is set to vote on the ratification of the FTA before Christmas.

Brussels, 04/10/2012 “While technology is developing apace, we are not seeing the Commission adequately address the regulatory framework” stated Judith Kirton-Darling, ETUC Confederal Secretary responsible for health and safety. “The precautionary principle is fundamental to guaranteeing public and occupational health and safety – the Commission must take action to ensure it is at the centre of EU nanotechnology policy”, stressed Judith.

Brussels, 03/10/2012 As a result of the trial of 69 members of the Turkish Confederation of Public Service Workers, KESK, which will be held on 4 October, the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) is coordinating a number of new initiatives, both in Turkey and the European Union (EU), in order to draw attention to the erosion of human rights in general, and trade union rights in particular, in Turkey.

Brussels, 12/09/2012 The withdrawal of the proposal, however, does not solve the problems created by the European Court of Justice (ECJ) in the Viking and Laval judgments. It is more urgent than ever that a solution to the current situation is found as it prevents workers from fully enjoying their rights. The Commission should ensure that fundamental social rights cannot be restricted by economic freedoms.

Brighton, 10/09/2012 President, Delegates, I am honoured and delighted to address your Congress on behalf of the European Trade Union Confederation. I am a first time speaker to Congress. In previous congresses the ETUC GS delivered his speech with a Manchester accent. Today, you will have to adapt to a southern French way of handling your language. Whatever the accent your campaign call: 'A Future That Works' certainly reflects the aspiration of the workers I meet.

Krynica, 04/09/2012 (Check against delivery) I. Opening panel President, I thank you for inviting me to speak at this opening ceremony. It is important that you invited me as General Secretary of the ETUC representing 60 million workers in the European unions. Workers, and around them, their family.

Brussels, 05/09/2012

Brussels, 04/09/2012 The austerity measures imposed by the Troika since 2011 in exchange for a three-year loan of 78 billion euro are both ineffective and counter-productive. With an unemployment rate of 16% and a 3% recession, the country is sinking deeper into the spiral of crisis and the outlook for 2013 is anything but positive.

Brussels, 17/08/2012

Brussels, 06/08/2012 “A key element of any industrial policy is having a skilled and well trained workforce to produce quality goods and services. However, EU labour market and employment strategy is focused on labour market reforms leading to greater flexibility and increased precariousness, which directly undermines the focus on up/re-skilling the workforce”, states the ETUC response.

Brussels, 24/07/2012 The ETUC General Secretary and the Portuguese trade union delegation lead by their General Secretaries will meet later on today, the Portugal's Prime Minister, Pedro Passos Coelho and the President of Portugal, Cavaco Silva. In the afternoon, the high-level union delegations with some representatives of the Portuguese parliament’s Commission are also received by the President of the Parliament, Maria da Assunção Esteves.