Brussels, 25/07/2007 The ETUC had added its voice to the international protest against the detention, torture and death sentence passed against medical staff recognised as being innocent. The Confederation was also at pains to support its Bulgarian members in their mobilisation, calling on the Libyan Head of State, Muammar Gaddafi, to immediately release the nurses and the doctor. This release is a victory for European diplomacy and active international mobilisation over many years.

Brussels, 18/07/2007

Brussels, 12/07/2007 In early May, the ETUC strongly criticised the EP's original draft report on the Commission's Green Paper on modernising labour law, which was a flawed and oversimplified analysis of current problems in Europe's labour markets. It blamed traditional labour law for standing in the way of employment opportunities, without giving the growing numbers of precarious workers around Europe any real prospect of better jobs.

Brussels, 05/07/2007 "{Already, there was a widespread trade union feeling that “liberal” Europe is receiving too much encouragement, with the current emphasis on de-regulation, on encouraging entrepreneurship and on opposition to new labour standards at EU level. The social dimension of Europe is not keeping pace with the development of the internal market. The way that flexicurity was being promoted by some is confirming that feeling.

Bundoran, 03/07/2007

Bundoran, 03/07/2007 To be checked against delivery JM/cd President, delegates, fellow guests, thanks for the invitation to again visit the biennal Congress of the ICTU.

Brussels, 03/07/2007

Brussels, 29/06/2007

Brussels, 29/06/2007 Climate change is liable to accentuate social inequalities, because it will have a greater impact on the poorer countries and, within countries, on the least well-off communities. In Europe, too, jobs might be threatened in many economic sectors which depend upon the climate, such as farming, tourism, fisheries or water, and in areas prone to flooding.

Brussels, 27/06/2007 Job protection, far from being jettisoned, underpins this modern reform agenda of a more efficient and inclusive labour market. It supports productivity, innovation and access of workers to training by promoting stable employment relations and protecting workers from unfair dismissal. Notifying workers well in advance of dismissal and change, functions as an ‘early-warning' signal so that measures to prepare for upwards mobility can be taken.

Brussels, 26/06/2007 The Committee will assess the outcome of the Congress and launch activities to implement the wide-ranging Strategy and Action Plan agreed by delegates, for the next four years. Also on the agenda will be a joint report from the social partners (trade unions and employers) on the Key Challenges facing European Labour Markets. The Executive will also elect its vice-presidents, on a rotational basis, to hold office until the next Congress in four years.