It is unacceptable for workers and citizens to shoulder the burden of a crisis they did not cause. The European trade union movement has been warning European authorities that social unrest would develop and accelerate without Europe-wide coordinated measures to stop and reverse the recession of the European economy. Fundamental European rights – notably, freedoms, including the free movement of workers, equality and solidarity – are deeply challenged by the crisis.

People will not put up with bank rescues and misery for many in exchange. To channel some of the frustration and anger over lacking measures to fight the crisis, putting people first, the European trade unions are mobilising from 14 to 16 May next in Berlin (16 May), Brussels (15 May), Madrid (14 May) and Prague (16 May).

All of ETUC’s affiliated trade union organisations will be sending delegations to Berlin, Brussels, Madrid and Prague.

All practical information is now available on the ETUC website, as well as on some websites of its affiliates organising the Euro-demonstrations in the four European cities.

 14 May 2009: Madrid - Route of demonstration (855Kb PDF)

 15 May 2009: Brussels - Route of demonstration (651Kb PDF)

 16 May 2009: Berlin - Route of demonstration (865Kb PDF)
See also the website of the Deutscher Gewerkschaftsbund (DGB)

 16 May 2009: Prague - Route of demonstration (804Kb PDF)
See also the website of the Czech Trade Union Confederation Českomoravská konfederace odborových svazů (CMKOS).

Further information

 Euro-demonstrations 14-16 May 2009: Practical information

 ETUC Declaration for the European campaign Fight the crisis: put the people first.

 For background information highlighting ETUC’s actions and positions in relation to the social and economic crisis, please refer to the dossier on the subject.