Brussels, 08/06/2006

Brussels, 07/06/2006 The Committee, representing all ETUC-affiliated organisations, backed proposals outlined by ETUC General Secretary John Monks. "We need a stronger social dimension aligned to the Constitution," said John Monks. "People have many concerns about issues like jobs, restructuring and globalisation." The ETUC will campaign for trade union rights to Europe-wide industrial action to defend workers' interests, as well as more information and consultation within companies.

Brussels, 06/06/2006 The Committee, on which all ETUC-affiliated organisations in 36 European countries are represented, will assess the latest developments on issues such as the Services Directive, the period of reflection surrounding the EU Constitution, and working time legislation. EU monetary policy will be high on the agenda. The ETUC has repeatedly urged the European Central Bank and euro-zone Member States to change their approach in order to sustain an emerging economic recovery.

Helsinki, 05/06/2006 To be checked against delivery President, delegates, fellow guests. As Lauri knows, my Finnish is excellent but my English is better. If you believe all that, you will believe anything! So with some regret, I proceed in my mother tongue of English and must leave the language of Sami Hyypia to you. I have long admired this trade union federation and its affiliates. The Nordic model, and its Finnish variant, is the most successful trade union model anywhere in the world.

Brussels, 31/05/2006 At its meeting on 1 June, the European Council for Employment, social policy, health and consumer affairs will try to reach political agreement on the revision of the Working Time Directive (WTD).

Brussels, 30/05/2006 Ministers responsible for the internal market yesterday came to a political agreement on the opening of the services sector between Member States of the European Union.

Berlin, 24/05/2006 To be checked against delivery Liebe Kolleginnen und Kollegen, Mein Deutsch ist sehr gut. Mein Englisch aber ist etwas besser. Deshalb bitte ich Euch um Nachsicht, wenn ich in meiner Muttersprache zu Euch spreche. Delegates, Allow me to go straight forward to some key issues that are of great importance for all of us.

Brussels, 23/05/2006

Warsaw, 19-21 May 2006 To be checked against delivery I am pleased to convey the greetings of the ETUC to the Congress of our newest ETUC affiliate, the OPZZ.

Brussels, 19/05/2006

Brussels, 11/05/2006 Says ETUC General Secretary John Monks: “Europe must be open to change. However, shifting the full burden of adjustment onto workers is not the solution. To reach higher productivity and more innovation, Europe needs a secure workforce.”

Brussels, 08/05/2006 Says John Monks, ETUC General Secretary: “The long run starts now, and it should start with full recovery from slump. The European Central Bank and finance ministers should be working to strengthen growth further in 2007 instead of removing aggregate demand stimulus.” {{ Main points of the ETUC report:}}

Brussels, 04/05/2006 Many successes have been achieved so far. Yet the ETUC is convinced that in order to give the RSC the bright future it deserves - as a cornerstone and core instrument for the protection of fundamental social rights throughout Europe - the following actions, amongst others, are crucial: