Following EU leaders agreeing to “put people first, to further develop the social dimension of the Union … to promote convergence and … implementing the European Pillar of Social Rights” at their Summit last night, the European Trade Union Confederation proposes:

Trade union leaders from across Europe meeting in Brussels today reaffirmed their commitment to quality jobs for all working people – and agreed that creating quality jobs should be a top priority for European economic policy.   High unemployment, low investment and the growth of online platforms and low-value service industries have resulted in far too many new jobs being badly paid, insecure and poor quality.  

The European Commission’s ‘Platform for Coal Regions in Transition’ is a good start to try to ensure that climate action leaves no worker behind says the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC).

Today, the Youth Committee elected Viktória Nagy as President of the Youth Committee of the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC). "Despite economic growth all over Europe, workers are still looking for their recovery from the crisis” said Viktória Nagy, “and too many young people are trapped in precarious jobs. Zero-hour contracts, sub-minimum wages and unpaid traineeships must end."

Dear readers,

Commenting on the agreement between the European Commission and the UK Government on Brexit negotiations, ETUC General Secretary Luca Visentini said “The starting gun for the next phase of the negotiations is now ready to be fired, subject to the agreement next week of EU 27 Governments.”

The right to join a trade union and the right to collective bargaining are basic, human rights recognised by the UN International Labour Organisation. Yet many well-known multi-national companies do NOT recognise trade unions, and do not negotiate with trade unions on pay and working conditions. The International and European Trade Union Confederations (ITUC and ETUC) are joining forces for Human Rights Day (December 10) to name and shame two multi-national brands and household names that refuse to negotiate with trade unions.

“The architecture of EMU is clearly not complete” said Luca Visentini, General Secretary of the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC). “Economic & Monetary Union does need stronger and more coherent governance and resources to ensure the long-term future of the Euro. The package presented by the European Commission is important and member states need to find the political will to take the necessary steps. “Far from going too far, the implementation dates are too late. These changes should be brought forward.”

Commenting on the list of tax havens agreed by Finance Ministers today, Katja Lehto-Komulainen, Deputy General Secretary of the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) said:   “Any action against tax avoidance is good news, but we will continue to press for full disclosure of economic activities in all countries without exception, and common tax rules and minimum rates. What has been agreed today needs to be followed up by further action in future meetings.  

Dear Readers, We have just published the November 2017 edition of the ETUC Newsletter. To read the document, please click here. Enjoy!

At the start of the EU-African Union Summit today in Ivory Coast, the European Trade Union Confederation demanded an immediate suspension of EU efforts to keep refugees and migrants in Libya, at least until the safety and well-being of migrants can be guaranteed. In addition to appalling detention facilities and conditions, there are now allegations of migrants being sold into slavery. The Summit is expected to call for an independent and thorough investigation into the slavery allegations, but the ETUC warns this is too little, too late.

The European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC)  welcomes a Vatican Conference – today and yesterday - on labour and the workers’ movement (trade unions) being at the core of development, and on work having to be good for everyone.     An ETUC delegation, led by General Secretary Luca Visentini, attended the “Labor Unions International meeting: from Populorum progressio to Laudato si” organised by the Holy See in the Vatican City.