Brussels, 15/03/2013 During the European Summit on 14 and 15 March, 15 000 workers from several European countries gathered to urge European leaders to change course. - Press release on the European Summit: http://www.etuc.org/a/11002 - Photos : http://www.flickr.com/photos/etuc-ces/sets/72157632872557058/

Brussels, 14/03/2013 The announcement by the Council of December 2012 to the effect that the European authorities would endeavour to strengthen the social dimension of the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU), including social dialogue, for the Council in June gave rise to legitimate expectations among workers who, increasingly, are starting to think that Europe is part of the problem and not part of the solution.

Brussels, 05/03/2013 ETUC Declaration The ETUC considers that the proposal to discuss a social dimension of the EMU is too restrictive. Our commitment to the process of European integration depends on the fact that Europe is not a free trade zone, but an area whose objectives are economic and social progress. Therefore a discussion on the social dimension of the EMU is only acceptable if it triggers social progress in the whole of the European Union.

Brussels, 05/03/2013 The ETUC considers that the proposal to discuss a social dimension of the EMU is too restrictive. Our commitment to the process of European integration depends on the fact that Europe is not a free trade zone, but an area whose objectives are economic and social progress. Therefore a discussion on the social dimension of the EMU is only acceptable if it triggers social progress in the whole of the European Union.

Brussels, 05/03/2013 “The compromise deal will ensure that bankers’ horrendous annual bonus payments are capped and greater transparency for banks' accounts is provided for, on top of better capital requirements,” said Bernadette Ségol, ETUC General Secretary: “The financial crisis has demonstrated that the system of high gratifications in the banking sector has led to wrong incentives for bankers to take on risks at the expense of society as a whole”, she continued. “The Council must now enact the deal without further ado.”

Brussels, 04/03/2013 A European trade union rally will take place in Brussels on 14 March 2013 on the occasion of the European Council on 14 and 15 March. Trade union delegations from Belgium, France, Germany, Portugal, Spanish, etc. will be there to demand a change of direction. This austerity programme must end as it is having disastrous economic effects. Employment, particularly for young people must be the priority. Where? At the Parc du Cinquantenaire in Brussels When? From 2pm to 4pm.

Brussels, 27/02/2013 At present, some countries in the European Union are combining recession and low growth. Austerity policies are driving down, or even preventing social mobility, which is exacerbating poverty and social inequalities.

Brussels, 2013 Ahead of the European Summit scheduled for 14 and 15 March, the European Trade Union is organising a European Trade Union action on 14 March against austerity and for jobs for young people.

Johannesburg, 12-13/02/2013 Check against delivery I am pleased and honoured to be invited to participate in bilateral discussions with South African unions and political actors on the important topic of Just Transition, Green and Decent Jobs. Your country and your trade union movement have for ever marked history. You continue to fight for equality, decent work and decent wages. You support campaigns to eliminate HIV here in South Africa but also in solidarity with neighbouring countries.

Brussels, 29/01/2013 The legislation, which has scarcely ever been invoked since the collapse of Greece's military dictatorship in 1974 and can lead to terms of imprisonment of up to five years, has now been used against striking metro workers in Athens.

Brussels, 25/01/2013 The ETUC’s fortieth anniversary will provide an opportunity to discuss issues relating to the role of the trade union movement as an actor in the construction of Europe: What is its future? Which are the priorities for a social Europe? What role should citizens, workers and their trade unions play in an economic and monetary union? What should be changed in economic governance?

Brussels, 23/01/2013

Larnaca, 04-05 octobre 2012 Seul le texte prononcé fait foi

Brussels, 17/12/2012 The 27 States have postponed until 2013 important decisions which should have defined the roadmap for a political union. Only the banking union has moved forwards.

Brussels, 16/11/2012 Says Bernadette Ségol, ETUC General Secretary: “Under pressure from the Troika, national governments are pushed to take measures which attack collective bargaining rights. We should take seriously the ILO message that this situation cannot continue. The European Union, recently awarded the Peace Nobel Prize, must remember why it was created: to guarantee peace, prosperity and social justice”. - ILO press release: http://www.ilo.org/brussels/press/press-releases/WCMS_193308/lang--en/index.htm

Brussels, 15/11/2012

Google map showing national actions taking place on the European Day of Action and Solidarity, 14 November. The list of actions shown on this map is not definitive. The map will be updated regularly. Carte des actions nationales qui auront lieu dans le cadre de la journée européenne d’action et de solidarité du 14 novembre. La liste des actions indiquées sur cette carte n’est pas définitive. La carte sera actualisée régulièrement.

What? / Quoi ? : LO, Unio and YS issued a joint statement concerning the European day of action. / LO, Unio et Ys ont publié une déclaration conjointe sur la journée d'action européenne. When? / Quand ? : 14-11-2012 Where? / Où ? : Norway / norvège

Brussels, 09/11/2012 The day of action on 14 November will take various forms: for example, there will be strikes in Spain, Portugal, Greece and Italy. For the first time in its history, an ETUC day of action will include simultaneous strikes in four countries. Strikes are not the only type of action involved. Demonstrations will be held in France and in some Eastern countries (Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovenia and Romania).

What? / Quoi ? : LO is organising a media action on the topic of austerity. LO will address solidarity with Spanish trade unions letter to Spanish Prime Minister. A seminar to discuss the economic crisis and trade union rights will be also organised. It will be followed by a press conference of LO, TCO and Saco, and with the participation of Andreas Stoimanidis from GSEE (Greece). The Baltic Sea Trade Union Network (BASTUN) has adressed a solidarity message on the ETUC Day of Action (See attachement).

What? / Quoi ? : Podkrepa is organising open forums in several large Bulgarian cities against austerity and for quality jobs. The Federations of Agriculture of CITUB and Podekrepa are organising a rally in front of the Ministry of Finance in Sofia./ Podkrepa organise des forums publics dans les plus grandes villes du pays contre l'austérité et en faveur des emplois de qualité. Les fédérations du secteur de l'agriculture de CITUB et Podkrepa organisent un rassemblement devant le ministère des finances à Sofia. When? / Quand ? : 14-11-2012

What? / Quoi ? : LCGB and OGBL are organising the distribution of joint leaflets in companies on 12 November. A trade union delegation will meet the Prime Minister on 14 November in order to discuss the austerity measures and out alternatives to get Europe out of the crisis. They will deliver to him in person a copy of the ETUC Social Compact for Europe. / La LCGB et l'OGBL organisent une distribution de tracts communs au sein des entreprises le 12 novembre.

What? / Quoi ? : The TUC is organising actions to show solidarity with Greek and Spanish unions. They include lobbying the European Commission in London and Brussels, viral and virtual action on social networks, as well as raising awareness of how austerity is not working. / Le TUC organise des actions de solidarité avec les syndicats grecs et espagnols.