Brussels, 23/03/2006 The work programme 2006-2008 is the second multi-annual work programme of the EU social dialogue. It reflects a joint wish to further establish the social partners' autonomy and builds on the achievements of the previous programme, which covered the period 2003-2005.

Brussels, 21/03/2006 Workers in Europe are worried about the lack of decent jobs, precarious and insecure jobs that are spreading throughout the economy and about the rising levels of poverty and social exclusion. They reject a policy agenda that, using the alibi of ‘business friendly' competitiveness, will make matters worse by reducing wages, working conditions, social protection and prolonging working hours. The ETUC calls upon the Spring Council to rebuild workers' confidence and support for Europe by :

Brussels, 20/03/2006 The introduction of insecure employment and the attack on existing workers' rights, in this case in France but also taking place in a number of other European countries, is not the right way to relaunch growth, boost European competitiveness and create jobs. On the contrary, these kinds of measures create a situation of social dumping in the EU, which will damage the future of Europe.

Brussels, 16/03/2006 “We are in favour of a more open approach,” affirmed ETUC General Secretary John Monks, “but it must be based on the principles of equal treatment and upward harmonisation of working conditions and social protection.”

Brussels, 15/03/2006 During the Competitiveness Council on 13 March, some of the 25 Member States took the view that the European Parliament's compromise goes too far, and reduces the ambitions of the original proposal. "The compromise achieved by the European Parliament is currently in the hands of the Commission and the Council,” declared John Monks, ETUC General Secretary. “We remain very watchful on the evolution of this text and we will take care to ensure that the European Parliament's proposal is not undermined in substance.”

Brussels, 14/03/2006 In the context of the debate on CSR at European level, the ETUC has always adopted a positive and constructive approach, and has consistently put forward proposals on the subject. Nonetheless, it appears that the debate on the subject of CSR is at risk of taking place without the true participation of the organisations representing the 'social side'.

Brussels, 14/03/2006 The Committee, on which all ETUC-affiliated organisations are represented, will assess the outcome of the European Parliament vote on the Services Directive, and the likely content of the European Commission's forthcoming revised proposal, due to be published in April. The meeting will also draw up a resolution to go to the EU Spring Summit, in response to the Commission's Annual Progress Report on growth and jobs.

Brussels, 12/03/2006

Brussels, 08/03/2006

Brussels, 07/03/2006 The recent EU report on gender equality between women and men shows that women are paid less than men, hold fewer political jobs and are very poorly represented in top management positions in companies.

Brussels, 03/03/2006 The recovery is simply not strong enough to face : - the efforts to cut public deficits that are in the pipeline for 2007 - continuing excessive wage moderation and complete absence of real pay increases - and, on top of that, a series of interest rate hikes. If the ECB continues to raise interest rates in coming months, it will serve the upturn a blow from which it might not recover.

Rimini, 01/03/2006 To be checked against delivery Secretary General, friends and comrades. It is with pride and pleasure that I represent the ETUC at the CGIL Congress in Rimini. Special pride because the ETUC has had a big success recently in its campaign against the Bolkestein Directive. Pleasure because I am learning all the time about the special contribution that the CGIL and our other Italian affiliates - CISL and UIL - make to trade unionism in Italy, Europe and the world.

Brussels, 01/03/2006 Following on from the Hampton Court Summit in October 2005, the European Commission published its proposal regarding the setting up of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (GAF) intended to provide help, for example, to workers who fall victim to globalisation with financial aid or assistance in finding a new job. An amount of 500 million euro per year is due to be paid into this adjustment fund.