European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) calls for Euro-Demonstration on 19 March 2005 in view of the upcoming EU Spring Council

The EU summit due to be held in Brussels on 22 and 23 March 2005 is crucial to the future development of both Europe and the Lisbon Strategy. That strategy is supposed to make Europe into the most competitive, dynamic, knowledge-based economic area in the world by 2010, into an area enjoying sustainable economic growth, an area with more and better jobs, and an area that enjoys greater social cohesion. Our aim in staging a Euro-Demonstration on 19 March 2005 is to send out an unmistakeable signal that we oppose the erosion of social rights and the spread of neo-liberalism and are instead demanding a Social Europe for the future.

Yes to more and better jobs

No to a shift towards a more deregulated Europe

ETUC supports the Lisbon Strategy and insists that a balance be struck between economic, employment, social and environmental considerations. In addition, ETUC rejects any attempt to scale back the Lisbon objectives merely to make it more business friendly and for the single purpose of enhancing competitiveness!

ETUC opposes any further deregulation of Europe’s labour markets! We need intelligent strategies for modernisation that retain a high level of social security.

We need more investment in initial and continuing vocational training and also effective strategies for lifelong learning. In addition, we need substantially greater investment in research and development if we are to become a Europe of innovation.

Europe needs better and more sustainable jobs and not longer working hours.

ETUC backs the reform of the Stability Pact, which allows too little breathing space for growth and employment. Stability and growth must be promoted by effectively coordinating economic and employment policy in Europe.

Yes to quality jobs & services - No to the Bolkestein Directive

ETUC supports progress towards completing the internal market in the services sector, which could constitute an opportunity for high-quality jobs and services for people in Europe.

However, ETUC firmly rejects liberalisation Bolkestein-style! The introduction of the country-of-origin principle risks opening the door to social dumping.

A European internal market for services must not be allowed to undermine labour law or social legislation!

The creation of an internal market for services must go hand in hand with achieving social objectives!

It is in the general interest that the internal market for services be strictly separated from public services of general interest, which must not be governed solely by competition rules!

Yes to Fundamental Social Rights to strengthen Social Europe

Yes to Fundamental Social Rights means yes to trade union rights, yes to the right to timely information and consultation of workers, and yes to collective agreements, workers participation and social dialogue!

Consolidating Social Europe means saying yes to the political objective of restoring full employment, yes to equal opportunities and yes to non-discrimination of any kind!

Europe needs a pro-active social policy agenda and not a moratorium in social policies that is only in the interest of business.

We will continue to fight for a Social Europe with a Social Constitution in favour of a social market economy and full employment.

Support ETUC’s Euro-Demonstration on 19 March 2005 and fight with us for a social Europe!

Our Europe - Europe that’s us!