Brussels, 16/05/2012 The youth unemployment rate is twice as high as the average. For two thirds of young Europeans, ‘employment’ equals fixed-term contracts, part-time employment imposed rather than chosen, temping, seasonal or undeclared work. The general rise of job insecurity in Europe affects young people in particular, who are often considered as labour that is available at a pittance.

Brussels, 16/05/2012 As democratic representative organisations, trade unions play a special role in society and contribute effectively to the development of many aspects of society, including education. Trade unions should continue to be at the forefront in tackling any forms of discrimination, at the workplace and in all their actions and activities. Good practices have already been initiated at national level by many public authorities, civil society organisations and trade unions. Let’s share them and expand them!

16/05/2012

Brussels, 15/05/2012

Brussels, 10/05/2012

Brussels, 08/05/2012 The ETUC strongly rejects the Commission’s proposal concerning the application of financial sanctions and incentives regarding Structural Funds, linked to the Stability and Growth Pact. These sanctions would penalise already weak Member States, regions and localities. The result would be the impoverishment of the people of the European Union and thus contrary to the basic principles of economic, social and territorial cohesion policy as reaffirmed in the Lisbon Treaty.

Brussels, 03/05/2012 “The Commission’s original proposal was already very conservative in its scope and demands”, stated Judith Kirton-Darling, ETUC Confederal Secretary, ahead of the meeting, “and now national governments are watering down those limited demands, rather than seeing energy efficiency as a means of creating hundreds of thousands of jobs in Europe. Jobs we need urgently!”

Brussels, 30/04/2012 Growth is now at the heart of European debates. Since Mario Draghi’s declaration, Herman Van Rompuy, President of the European Council sent a letter to the Heads of State encouraging them to foster growth. Angela Merkel is also calling for growth without renouncing the Fiscal compact.

Brussels, 30/04/2012

Brussels, 27/04/2012 According to the ILO at least 167 000 fatalities have been attributed to work-related accidents and diseases in the EU demonstrating a range of bad working practices, poor health and safety conditions at the workplace and a disparaging attitude towards workers’ health and lives by those who are primarily responsible for occupational health and safety issues.

Brussels, 25/04/2012 Bernadette Ségol, ETUC General Secretary, stated: “In light of the country’s still high level of corruption and poor record on human rights, we propose binding requirements to assess and remedy any negative human rights impact from investments; public reporting; and the creation of effective complaints and dispute-settlement instruments, among others, which are absolutely necessary to ensure that any new trade and investment do not contribute to the country’s problems”.

Brussels, 19/04/2012 The European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) therefore welcomes today’s decision of the European Parliament plenary to approve the Directive on a Common Consolidated Corporate Tax Base as a first important step towards limiting corporate tax dumping. The ETUC calls upon the Commission to complement the common tax base with a proposal to define a minimum tax rate on corporate profits.

Stockholm, 25-28/05/2012 The invitation to contribute to this celebratory anthology of the LO prompted me to discuss my vision for a European future from a trade union perspective that takes into account matters dear to my heart and emphasizes Social Europe.