The ETUC congratulates the TUC and their affiliated trade unions on an important union victory for workers in Britain and throughout Europe. We welcome the commitment by the UK government that the anti-worker anti-strike Minimum Service Levels legislation will be repealed through the upcoming Employment Rights Bill. This legislation represented an attack on the ability of workers to win a decent, secure and dignified working life.
Fritz Verzetnitsch passed away on 18 July 2024. He was ETUC President for 10 years between 1993 and 2003 and long-time President of Austria’s ÖGB.
“We pay tribute to a trade union leader who was committed to building workers’ power across Europe,” said Esther Lynch, ETUC General Secretary. “Our sympathy goes out to his wife, family and to the ÖGB.”
Adopted at the Executive Committee meeting of 24-25 June 2024
Introduction
Preventing and combatting gender-based violence in the world of work is a key priority of the ETUC. The recently adopted Directive combatting violence against women and domestic violence fails to deliver meaningful provisions to make the world of work safer for women workers. It also fails to recognise our role as trade unions to end gender-based violence.
Ensuring security: New impulse for peace needed
Adopted at the Executive Committee meeting of 24-25 June 2024.
In line with its Constitution and with its Charter of Values, the ETUC recalls that peace is a precondition for the full exercise of human rights and stable democracy and that there is no peace and security without social justice.
Industrial policy for quality jobs - Social conditionalities for social progress
Adopted at the Executive Committee meeting of 24-25 June 2024.
A momentum for social conditionalities
Adopted at the Executive Committee meeting of 24-25 June 2024
In its Action Programme, adopted at its 15th statutory congress, ETUC promotes a peaceful resolution in Palestine, the respect of international law and demands the right of all peoples to self-determination, including that the EU considers the impact on workers when deploying sanctions.
Speaking at its 2024 Annual Conference on 27 June, which marks the 5th anniversary of the European Labour Authority, Esther Lynch, General Secretary of the ETUC gave the following keynote speech on ‘Navigating Europe’s Labour Mobility Landscape:5 years of ELA and 30 years of EURES’:
Dear Executive Director Boiangu, Commissioner Schmit and Deputy Prime Minister Dermagne and distinguished guests,
On 30 April 2024, the European Commission presented the first-phase consultation of social partners under Article 154 TFEU on possible EU action in the area of telework and workers' right to disconnect. The European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) expressly welcomes the Commission's initiative and is pleased to answer the three consultation questions below.
Interregional Trade Union Councils’ (IRTUCs) Coordinating Committee
Internal Rules Of Procedure
Adopted at the Executive Committee meeting of 24-25 June 2024
Introduction
Industrial policy for quality jobs
A Just Transition policy framework and Directive to anticipate and manage change
Adopted at the Executive Committee meeting of 24-25 June 2024
European climate measures are unfit for social transformation.
Dear President Michel,
I am contacting you regarding the ongoing discussions on the EU Strategic Agenda 2024-2029 and in view of the European Council meeting on 27/28 June.
The ETUC is concerned that – according to the information received – the draft of the Strategic Agenda still does not include the necessary focus on the improvement of the situation for working people, their families and communities.
Esther Lynch sent a letter to the National Union of Journalists General Secretary to express support for the ongoing strike of Springer Nature workers.
I am writing to express the ETUC’s solidarity with the striking journalists at Springer Nature and their union, the National Union of Journalists.
At time of geopolitical crisis, it is even more important to support and strengthen European democracy. This is why the European social partners – ETUC, BusinessEurope, SGI Europe and SMEunited – are calling on those who are eligible to vote in the upcoming European elections to make their voices heard.
As representatives of trade unions and employers across Europe, we are united in our belief that participation in these elections is not just about electing policymakers; it is about securing a bright future for all and addressing the key challenges of our time.
Dear Environment and Labour Ministers,In conjunction with the European Trade Union Confederation, we, the undersigned, serving as Presidents and General Secretaries of Trade Unions from Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), are compelled to underscore the importance of safeguarding just transition initiatives deliberated within the Environment Council Conclusions.
On 17 May, the European trade union movement celebrates the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT). On this day, we remind ourselves and European policymakers that LGBTI+ rights are fundamental human and trade union rights.
The revision of the European Works Council Directive was proposed by the European Commission at the request of the European Parliament. Regrettably, the European employers' organisations do not seem to appreciate this democratic practice. There is no other way to understand the public statement published on 22 March by Business Europe, Hotrec, EuroCommerce, European Banking Federation, ECEG and CEEMET and sent to the Employment Committee of the European Parliament and the Council.
TABLE OF CONTENTS1. OVERVIEW OF KEY TRENDS 2. POLICIES FOR DIRECT YOUTH EMPLOYMENT SUPPORT 3. POLICIES ON SOCIAL PROTECTION4. POLICIES SUPPORTING EDUCATION / TRAINING OF YOUNG PEOPLE5. YOUTH GUARANTEE POLICIES AND YOUTH POLICIES IN THE NATIONAL RECOVERY AND RESILIENCE PLAN6. CONCLUSIONS AND POLICY POINTERS
