Responding to the Autumn Package published today by the European Commission, ETUC Confederal Secretary Ludovic Voet said:
“The majority of working people won’t recognise the rosy picture painted of the European economy today. Some economic indicators are pointing in the right direction but don’t reflect the reality on the ground.
“The employment figures look positive on paper but are being held up by an explosion of precarious work with low pay, appalling conditions, and few rights.
“Meanwhile, the Commission plans to pull the plug next year on the only scheme driving investment in Europe at the moment, the Recovery and Resilience Facility. That is a mistake at a time when productivity remains stagnant because the private sector is failing to invest in its own businesses despite recently enjoying record profits.
“Draft budget plans show public finances are going to be propped up by once again by hammering workers through cuts to pensions, social protection and public services.
“What working people need is a Commission willing to create quality jobs through a permanent investment facility and ensuring rich corporations are reinvesting profits and paying a fair share of tax.
“Ultimately, the launch of the Quality Jobs Roadmap and Act and the Action Plan on the European Pillar of Social Rights will show whether the Commission’s analysis, and its recognition of the challenges facing workers, amount to more than promises. This will be the real test for Europe’s workers and for the ETUC."
