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EU must not stop member states protecting posted workers

The ETUC is raising the alarm over European Commission plans to limit what information member states can request from employers about cross-border workers risk making it easier for bosses to exploit workers.

New EU enlargement must avoid past exploitation

Trade unionists from across Europe meeting in Serbia have called on EU leaders to learn from the mistakes of past enlargement processes and ensure that the future expansion of the bloc is carried out in a way which raises pay and strengthens workers’ rights. At the mid-term conference of the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) in Belgrade, representatives of 45 million workers including from EU and accession countries agreed a resolution which reaffirms its commitment to the continued enlargement of the EU and the goal of a united Europe.

ETUC Welcomes Political Agreement on EWC Directive

Workers in multinational companies are one step closer to the enforcement of their right to meaningful consultation over company decisions after a provisional trilogue agreement was found this morning on the revision of the European Works Council (EWC) Directive. EWCs are meant to ensure that workers’ rights to information and consultation about management decisions are upheld. However, the current directive lacks the teeth needed to uphold these rights. For example, the maximum fine in Germany is just 15,000 Euro, and is no deterrent effect to a multinational company.

Unions show red card to deregulation and call for jobs goal

Ahead of tonight’s Europa League final, more than 300 trade unionists from across Europe have shown the red card to deregulation and called for the EU to make quality jobs its goal again.Meeting for the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) Mid-Term Conference in Belgrade, representatives of 45 million working people blew the whistle over the European Commission’s deregulation drive which is targeting workers’ rights and trade union rights.

Working people must benefit from EU-UK reset

The reset in relations between the EU and the UK must deliver tangible benefits for working people on both sides of the Channel to be considered a lasting success, trade unions say. Agreements on defence, fishing, food safety and energy have already been found in time for a summit in London today, but negotiations on other areas important to working people are only just beginning.

EU start-up strategy risks ripping up workers’ rights

EU start-up strategy risks ripping up workers’ rights

The European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) strongly condemns plans to weaken workers’ rights contained in a leaked draft of the European Commission’s ‘Startup and Scaleup Strategy’.

Press release Published on 15.05.2025
ETUC Statement on the situation in the Gaza Strip

ETUC Statement on the situation in the Gaza Strip

The ETUC expresses its grave concerns at the unconscionable humanitarian situation in Gaza. The ETUC calls for immediate and effective EU and international initiatives to alleviate the intolerable humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip against the background of the blockade enacted by the government of Israel.

News Published on 12.05.2025
EU action not words needed over industry job losses

EU action not words needed over industry job losses

The head of the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) has told the European Commission that the time for talks over growing redundancies is over and they must take urgent action to protect and create quality jobs.

Press release Published on 12.05.2025
For a Social and Democratic Europe: Esther Lynch speech in Madrid

For a Social and Democratic Europe: Esther Lynch speech in Madrid

Esther Lynch, ETUC General Secretary, spoke at a rally 'For a Social and Democratic Europe' in Madrid, on 11/05/2025, on the invitation of CCOO and UGT.

Speech Published on 11.05.2025
EU must return to Schuman’s living standards promise

EU must return to Schuman’s living standards promise

On Europe day, trade unions are calling for the European Union to return its focus to the promise of increased living standards for all citizens made in the Schuman declaration.

Press release Published on 09.05.2025
Celebrating the victory over fascism

Celebrating the victory over fascism

On 8 May, the European Trade Union Confederation celebrates the victory over fascism and recommits to confronting the threat of tyranny and hated posed against by the far-right today.

News Published on 08.05.2025
In memory of trade union and resistance fighters - Fort Breendonk speech

In memory of trade union and resistance fighters - Fort Breendonk speech

Speech by Esther Lynch, ETUC General Secretary In Memory of Trade Union and Resistance Fighters Fort Breendonk - 4 May 2025We gather today at Fort Breendonk, not just to remember, but to recommit. To recommit to the fight against fascism, tyranny, and hatred – and to honour the brave women and men, many from our own labour movement, who gave their lives in that struggle.

Speech Published on 04.05.2025
May Day: Make workers a priority

May Day: Make workers a priority

On international workers’ day, the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) is telling European leaders that the needs of working people must be put at the top of the agenda. From tariffs to climate change, Europe needs an industrial policy to protect and create quality jobs in every region and every sector.

Press release Published on 01.05.2025
Commission must stand up to Trump on workplace equality

Commission must stand up to Trump on workplace equality

The European Commission must stand up to the attempt by US President Donald Trump to “intimidate” European companies out of complying with European equality law, the General Secretary of the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) said today. At the Trade Unions Against Discrimination Conference in Berlin, Esther Lynch called on Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to defend Europe’s equality standards and demand that the US Government withdraw its threat to European companies.

Press release Published on 29.04.2025
Workplace stress epidemic killing 10,000 people a year

Workplace stress epidemic killing 10,000 people a year

Europe’s workplace stress epidemic is killing around 10,000 people a year, according to a new analysis which shows the urgent need for an EU directive on psychosocial risks at work.

Press release Published on 28.04.2025
The ETUC expresses solidarity to FPU and to Ukrainian trade unions

The ETUC expresses solidarity to FPU and to Ukrainian trade unions

The European Trade Union Confederation reiterates its full support for Ukrainian trade unions. The ETUC expresses its solidarity and support for FPU following the latest attacks on trade union property and the house arrest of their President and member of the ETUC Executive Committee Grigoriy Osovyi. As Ukraine engages in accession discussions, it is crucial to ensure full compliance with the social acquis, full respect for the role of social partners and trade unions, promotion and reinforcement of social dialogue and collective bargaining.

News Published on 24.04.2025
ETUC on the Passing of Pope Francis

ETUC on the Passing of Pope Francis

The European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) is saddened by the passing of Pope Francis, a global voice for dignity, justice, and solidarity. His unwavering support for workers' rights, fair wages, and social justice inspired millions and resonated deeply with our trade union mission.

News Published on 21.04.2025
Exchange of Views on Quality Jobs with Commission Vice-President Minzatu

Exchange of Views on Quality Jobs with Commission Vice-President Minzatu

A trade union delegation, coordinated by the ETUC, participated in a social partner exchange of views with Commission Vice-President Minzatu on 16 April, highlighting the urgent need for immediate measures to ensure quality jobs and uphold Europe's social model.

News Published on 18.04.2025
Europe must protect jobs and not be bullied out of our social model

Europe must protect jobs and not be bullied out of our social model

The ETUC has called on the EU to protect jobs and stand firm against any back-tracking on standards and rights in negotiations with the US administration. The 31 million people who work in manufacturing across the EU, many of whom are still facing the consequences of the US’ 25% tariffs, are relying on immediate EU action. The EU must equip itself with the tools to protect jobs from the consequences of the US tariffs. Securing these jobs and investing in expanding the know-how of Europe’s workforce will be crucial to the success of the EU’s industrial strategy.

Press release Published on 10.04.2025
Simplification: EU must limit subcontracting and promote direct employment

Simplification: EU must limit subcontracting and promote direct employment

The ETUC and the EFBWW (European Federation of Building and Woodworkers) have urged the European Union to take decisive action to simplify subcontracting practices by limiting their use and promoting direct employment.

Press release Published on 09.04.2025
Commission must listen to workers on general strike in Greece

Commission must listen to workers on general strike in Greece

Workers and their unions across Greece are on general strike today to call for measures to address the cost-of-living. The ETUC has echoed their demands towards the EU institutions and called on European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to use all available tools to see that collective bargaining agreements at all levels are reinstated. “Austerity may be officially over, but its structural legacies remain deeply entrenched in labour market governance,” reads a letter by GSEE President Yannis Panagopoulos and General Secretary Nikos Fotopoulos.

Press release Published on 09.04.2025
Standardisation: Towards Better Participation of Unions

Standardisation: Towards Better Participation of Unions

This month marks 10 years since the ETUC decided to step up its implication in EU standard-setting. Since 2015, the ETUC has worked to ensure better representation and more effective participation of trade unions in standardisation. Standards permeate the world of work. They provide rules and guidance on how products and tools are made, methods are applied, and services are rendered. Not only are they crucial in enabling the single market through interoperability and compatibility; they also ensure the safety and quality of products.

News Published on 07.04.2025
Trade Union Intergroup discusses action needed to ensure quality jobs and social progress

Trade Union Intergroup discusses action needed to ensure quality jobs and social progress

The Trade Union Intergroup of the European Parliament – a cross-party group of Members of the European Parliament motivated by forwarding the interests of working people – held its first meeting since the EU elections today in Strasbourg. The Trade Union Intergroup is co-chaired by MEPs Dennis Radtke (EPP), Estelle Ceulemans (S&D), Jana Toom (Renew Europe), Maria Ohisalo (Greens/EFA) and Leila Chaibi (Left), and is supported in its work by the European Trade Union Confederation. ETUC General Secretary Esther Lynch participated in the launch of the Intergroup.

News Published on 03.04.2025
No day of liberation for workers

No day of liberation for workers

The 20% tariffs on goods from the EU announced today by the US government will hit working people hardest. While the full extent and impact of the tariffs announced by the US is not yet clear, it is essential that the EU response delivers a comprehensive strategy to stabilize the economy and save jobs as it responds to the changed trade environment. Europe must not be bullied out of our values and standards. We must not water down our rights and rules. Essential elements to protect jobs and incomes

Press release Published on 03.04.2025
Corporations must not be given a pass on human rights abuses

Corporations must not be given a pass on human rights abuses

Following the decision to open the ‘stop the clock’ urgency procedure on the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CS3D) and the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), the ETUC is calling on all MEPs to vote down the postponement of the directives.

Press release Published on 01.04.2025