Something has gone wrong in the European Union. Four examples bear witness to this dysfunction. How can it be justified that hundreds of thousands of letter-box companies have been allowed to develop, when the aim of these ghost companies is to evade taxes, labour laws and regulations? How can it be explained that European Court of Justice decisions authorized the restriction of employees’ fundamental rights in order to support business schemes whose very objective was to circumvent the protection of employees?

A guide to a ‘just transition’ to a low carbon economy is published by the European Trade Union Confederation on May 15. The 48 page document ‘Involving trade unions in climate action to build a just transition’ contains

Commenting on the European Commission’s Spring 2018 Economic Forecast heralding “strong growth” at “a 10-year high” and “rosy outlook”, Katja Lehto-Komulainen Deputy General Secretary of the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) said “European Commissioners sound upbeat about Europe’s growth but life in the labour market remains very tough for far too many people. There are still 17 million unemployed in the EU and much of the growth in employment is in part-time or temporary jobs. In work poverty is on the rise.

Commenting on the European Commission’s proposals for the Multiannual Financial Framework, European Trade Union Confederation Confederal Secretary Thiébaut Weber said: “We cannot accept the proposal to cut cohesion funding ­– and therefore probably the European Social Fund – by 7%.  This sends out an appalling signal to European citizens when the ink on the proclamation of the European Pillar of Social Rights (EPSR) is not yet dry.

Europe needs a Pay Rise Join a Union & Support Collective Bargaining Watch the video

Dear Readers, We have just published the April 2018 edition of the ETUC Newsletter. To read the document, please click here. Enjoy!

The European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) has issued an unprecedented ‘emergency alert’ that highlights countries and situations where the opportunity for working people in Europe to achieve decent wages and working conditions is under threat. “At the heart of Europe is a social contract that offers working people the opportunity to get decent wages and working conditions” said Luca Visentini, General Secretary of the ETUC. “But the foundation on which that social contract is built needs urgent repair and renovation.”

Today’s proposal by the European Commission to promote fairness and transparency for users of online marketplaces is a necessary step, but totally fails to protect workers who rely on online platforms for their livelihoods. According to the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC), the measure falls short by limiting regulation of unfair practices to shopping platforms offering goods and services, such as Amazon or eBay, and search engines.

Reacting to the European Commission’s proposals for new company law rules*, published today, European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) Deputy General Secretary Peter Scherrer said: “The proposals on cross-border conversions show a welcome change of direction in EU company law, which until now has facilitated deregulation and regime shopping. The Commission aims to ensure that a company has genuine economic activity in the Member State where it wants to relocate its registered office. The proposed Directive therefore offers a basis for discussion.

Speech by Katja Lehto-Komulainen, ETUC Deputy General Secretary   Dear all, Let me address three points on behalf of the European Trade Union Confederation. The ETUC is proud to be part of the EMIN network – and bus tour - promoting adequate minimum income schemes throughout Europe. - The right to an adequate minimum income is a key demand today: we need to ensure an acceptable and dignified standard of living for all.

The European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) urges the European Commission to include in its forthcoming ‘European Company Law package’ binding measures to protect workers and end ‘regime shopping’ which allows companies in Europe to move their headquarters to another Member State where they pay less taxes and lower wages regardless of where their genuine economic activity take place.

Belgian and international trade unions have demanded the immediate release from prison of former Brazilian president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. In a letter delivered to the Brazilian ambassador in Brussels, the CSC, the FGTB as well as the ITUC and the European Trade Union Confederation stated that Lula’s arbitrary imprisonment is a threat to democracy. Trade unions in Asunción, Buenos Aires, Geneva, Jakarta, Lima, London and Rabat are also gathering at Brazilian embassies today, following protests in recent days in Madrid, Montevideo, Paris, Rome and Washington, D.C.