• The European Parliament confirms the need for more and better transnational company agreements

    The European Parliament confirms the need for more and better transnational company agreements

    Brussels, 19/09/2013 “The vote acknowledges Mr. Handel’s achievement in having produced a well-balanced text which respects interests on both sides of the industry. The ETUC is now ready to cooperate with the European Commission and, hopefully, the employer associations, in order to follow up on the indications coming from the European Parliament, with the aim of setting up a more supportive framework for transnational negotiations”, said Luca Visentini, ETUC Confederal Secretary.
    Press release Published on 19.09.2013
  • Rapidly Deteriorating Human and Labour Rights Situation in Fiji

    Rapidly Deteriorating Human and Labour Rights Situation in Fiji

    Brussels, 06/09/2013 Since the coup d’état in 2006, the people of Fiji have been suffering from a deterioration in their social situation, including the non-respect of basic human rights, in particular, the right to freedom of association, assembly and expression. For this reason, both the ETUC and the ITUC demand to meet Ms Ashton in order to discuss the matter – with a view to pressing for the EU to help reverse the situation - at the earliest possible convenience.
    Press release Published on 06.09.2013
  • Colombia: ETUC's deep concern on imprisonment of trade union leader, Hubert de Jesús Ballesteros Gomez

    Colombia: ETUC's deep concern on imprisonment of trade union leader, Hubert de Jesús Ballesteros Gomez

    Bruxelles, 02/09/2013 The ETUC is deeply concerned that despite that guarantees given by Colombia to respect trade union rights, notably in the context of the Free Trade Agreement with the EU, a prominent trade union leader could be arrested in what appears to be an attempt to intimidate the organisations involved in the national strikes.
    Press release Published on 02.09.2013
  • Sticking to austerity and cutting wages is not the answer: ETUC open letter to Commissioner Rehn

    Sticking to austerity and cutting wages is not the answer: ETUC open letter to Commissioner Rehn

    Brussels, 29/08/2013 In its open letter, the ETUC stresses that Latvia and Ireland, having shed 20 and 15% of all jobs, can hardly be seen as an example to follow. The only lesson to learn from Latvia is that action to restore growth must come first! Europe should delay applying a 3% deficit limit until economies return to health and a strong recovery is secured– probably around 2016-2017. The ETUC’s open letter also denounces the race to the bottom that the Commission’s wage competition is provoking in many Member States
    Press release Published on 30.08.2013
  • ETUC: Turkish Government must end repression, intimidation and violations of human rights

    ETUC: Turkish Government must end repression, intimidation and violations of human rights

    Brussels, 18/07/2013 “We supported the accession of Turkey to the EU, but are extremely concerned about the increasing intimidation and repression of the opposition and of some trade unions. We condemn the ongoing breaches of fundamental human rights and call on the Turkish Government to respect ILO core labour standards as well as the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights” said Bernadette Ségol.
    Press release Published on 18.07.2013
  • ETUC backs general strike called by Greek trade unions

    ETUC backs general strike called by Greek trade unions

    Brussels, 15/07/2013 In a letter sent to the Presidents of GSEE and ADEDY, Bernadette Ségol, General Secretary of the ETUC, expressed full support for the general strike on 16 July to protest against the lay-off of thousands of public servants in Greece as a consequence of the unilateral measures imposed by the Troika.
    Press release Published on 15.07.2013
  • Cohesion Policy 2014-2020: more quality jobs and social investment with a strong European social fund

    Cohesion Policy 2014-2020: more quality jobs and social investment with a strong European social fund

    Brussels 15/07/2013 The European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) welcomes the positive vote of the European Parliament’s Employment Committee, which ensures a minimum share of 25% for the European Social Fund (ESF) in the next programming period 2014-2020.
    Press release Published on 15.07.2013