Brussels, 20/09/2007 John Monks said: “{We are concerned about rumoured attempts to obscure the position of the Charter, and to weaken its impact on Member States. Already the Charter has been affected by acceptance of the UK’s red lines. It is imperative that it has a legally binding effect on Member States and is within the scope of jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice. “I am asking for an urgent confirmation of that, and have written accordingly to the President of the European Commission and the President of the Council of Ministers}.”

Brussels, 20/09/2007 In the view of the ETUC, the Commission's legislative package runs counter to the objectives of protecting the most vulnerable consumers and fighting climate change.

Brussels, 13/09/2007 The European Commission and the Council are drawing up common principles for implementing ‘flexicurity’ across the EU. The ETUC stresses that pushing Member States to make structural reforms without at the same time building a strong European framework to guide them will be counter-productive. Member States will only be able to strike a real balance between flexibility and security if European policy ensures:

Brighton, 12/09/2007

Brighton, 12/09/2007 Check against delivery President, Congress and honoured guests, it’s with great pleasure that I address the annual Congress of the TUC. It is also a pleasure to see another woman President. I would like to thank you for the invitation. Let me take this opportunity to wish you every success in your debates and discussions.

Brussels, 03/09/2007 Trade unions in Bulgaria are strong supporters of EU membership. Together with the employers’ organisations and the government they have signed an Economic and Social Development Pact, in which all partners committed themselves to stronger social dialogue, to manage the socio-economic challenges involved in meeting the Lisbon Strategy objectives. This so-called tax reform is a clear breach of the pact. Furthermore, it will destabilise the economy and increase inequality and poverty in Bulgaria.

Brussels, 30/08/2007 Financial markets are already squeezing both the cost (three-month interest rates are up to 4.7%, well above the ECB’s repo rate of 4%) as well as the availability (flight into safety and liquidity) of credit for new investment. This will drag down overall investor and consumer confidence and damage growth and job prospects. The ECB needs to restore confidence by giving the signal that it stands ready to defend growth and jobs by cutting interest rates if necessary.

Brussels, 17/08/2007 It has taken a crisis to awaken policy makers to the dangers involved in the recent stupendous growth of hedge funds and derivative markets. Trade unions have been warning now for over a year about the risks of hedge fund operations and how no-one can be sure about who is responsible for what, or what the true liabilities are in today’s casino economy.

Brussels, 09/08/2007 ETUC General Secretary John Monks this morning participated in a demonstration in front of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran, demanding the immediate and unconditional release of both trade union leaders. This Day of International Action is organised by the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) and the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF). It is supported by many European trade unionists and Amnesty International.

Brussels, 03/08/2007

01/08/2007 - 2006 - 2007

01/08/2007

01/08/2007 - 2006 - 2007 - 2008