Bruxelles, 02/06/2010

Brussels, 31/05/2010 The ETUC has pressed consistently for a peaceful two-state solution to the Israel/Palestine conflict, which can only be undermined by this indefensible action. It supports the exclusively humanitarian sentiments expressed by Turkish affiliates in connection with the delivery of aid.

Brussels, 28/05/2010

Brussels, 19/05/2010 “Now that some governments are even suspending aid transfers to Colombia in response to the illegal activities of DAS, it is crystal clear that there is no credible way these negotiations can be concluded in this manner,” commented John Monks, ETUC general secretary. “The ETUC reiterates our demand – shared by all three trade union centres in Colombia - that the FTA not be signed under the current circumstances.”

Brussels, 2010

Brussels, 06/05/2010 “We trust that those responsible for this and the other acts of appalling violence yesterday will be brought to justice without delay,” said Guy Ryder and John Monks, general secretaries of the international and European trade union bodies.

Rimini, 06/05/2010 It is always a pleasure to visit Italy and a privilege to attend CGIL events, which are always held in nice places – the summer school in Chinciano Terme in Toscana and now this Congress, like the last, in the land of La Dolce Vita. I hope this Congress is a dolce experience.

Brussels, 28/04/2010

Brussels, 21/04/2010 ETUC Confederal Secretary Józef Niemiec will participate in the action day for the development of a genuine industrial policy in Europe and quality jobs in line with the policy of combating climate change and reducing CO2 emissions without penalising energy-intensive industries.

Brussels, 15/04/2010

Brussels, 13/04/2010 “Many of the people who died were associated with, and known to the Polish trade union Movement” said John Monks, General Secretary of the ETUC. The tragedy is intensified by the fact that those on the plane were to attend the scene of another Polish tragedy, the massacre at Katyn of members of the Polish ‘elite’ during the Second World War. Tragedy has been piled on top of tragedy.”

Brussels, 08/03/2010 The ETUC will discuss the aggravation of the economic crisis and notably the deterioration of the employment situation. Messages will be formulated in view of the EPSCO Council [[EPSCO: Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council]] of 8th and 9th March but also in view of the Tripartite Social Summit and Spring Council of 25th and 26th March. Proposals will include those to regulate the financial markets and to avoid the return of speculation that devastates economies.

Manchester, 05/03/2010 Secretary of State, Welcome to this official opening of the People’s History Museum. The people’s story is not an easy one. Sometimes as an old friend used to say to me – “the working class goes from defeat to defeat, to defeat to final victory” – I was never quite sure if he believed it. You will certainly see in this museum, misery, lost strikes and repression.

Rome, 04/03/2010 Luigi, delegates and fellow guests. It is a great pleasure to return to the UIL Congress and to have this opportunity for a short address. It is my normal wish when returning to address a Congress to paint a picture of our achievements and successes since we last met, while of course tackling the challenges that are new or are still outstanding.

Brussels, 22/02/2010

Brussels, 2010

Brussels, 28/01/2010 For more information. Press contacts :  - Audrey Lhoest, FGTB, GSM: 0476.90.16.30 - Diana De Crop, CSC, GSM: 0476.41.00.24 - Véra Dos Santos Costa, CGSLB, GSM 0475 46. 56. 58

Brussels, 27/01/2010 When it comes to trust, some business leaders are in the same position as Tiger Woods is with his wife. And although the bankers are probably near the top of the most mistrusted league table, others have problems too. Mr Schwab has made this point very well in the build up to this year’s Davos. So how does the escalator reverse and reputations begin to rise?

Brussels, 27/01/2010

Madrid, 21/01/2010 President, the Spanish Presidency comes at a very difficult time – for Spain of course and for the EU and the world. The economic crisis is severe, unemployment continues to rise, the financial service world is trying to get back to business – and bonuses – as usual, and young people are especially hard hit. And we have the environmental crisis and an inadequate outcome to the Copenhagen summit. The need for sustainable economies, a sustainable environment, and sustainable European population is very clear.

Brussels, 21/01/2010 John Monks, General Secretary of the ETUC stressed “This is a massive blow to manufacturing in Belgium and I would urge GM to reconsider its decision and to do all it can to save these jobs in Antwerp”.

Brussels, 18/01/2010 The ETUC subscribes to the international movement of solidarity launched by the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) calling for an urgent mobilisation in Haiti following the violent earthquake that struck this country on 12 January. The ETUC also expresses its total solidarity with the Haitian people and urges the Development Council meeting for an extraordinary session today to boost its aid measures in support of the victims.

Brussels, 12/01/2010 As an American President once said – forecasting is difficult, especially about the future. I am asked tonight to reflect on the ETUC in the next decade – in effect, an ETUC version of the 2020 exercise launched by the President of the European Commission recently. My first reflection is related to that 2020 exercise. It is an unavoidable fact that the EU’s future will have a big impact on the future of the ETUC and trade unionism at European level.

Brussels, 30/11/2009 All the ETUC member unions will be meeting in its Executive Committee to discuss questions of topical interest to European trade unionism. The European trade unions will be mapping out a forthcoming campaign to put forward some proposals to counter the social and economic crisis which is causing so many problems, in particular in terms of employment. This campaign will be the opportunity to frame some messages aimed at the recently renewed European institutions, under the Lisbon Treaty which is very shortly to come into force.