Brussels, 20-21/10/2009 Introduction Weeks before the negotiations in Copenhagen on an international framework on the mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions, we find ourselves confronted by three mutually-impacting crises: the ecological crisis as a result of climate change and the loss of biodiversity, the global economic crisis and price instability in raw materials and food. From a trade union perspective, this situation presents itself as one of the largest and most difficult challenges of recent decades.

Brussels, 20/10/2009

Brussels, 08/07/2009 The European trade Union confederation (ETUC) Executive Committee agrees that there should be a period of reflection before any future revision of the directive. However, concerning the current directive, the ETUC Executive Committee strongly calls for action to be taken to ensure that the Directive is being properly and fully implemented. Specifically, the ETUC calls on the European Commission to initiate infringement proceedings against Member States who are significantly failing to implement the working time directive.

Brussels, 2008

Brussels, 31/01/2009 Introduction On 20 October 2006 the European Commission launched a consultation in two stages of the European social partners on the issue of reconciliation of professional, private and family life.

Brussels, 04/12/2009 Introduction The European Trade Union Confederation is at the forefront in defending human rights, trade union rights and equality for all workers. This commitment also includes the fight for equal treatment and non-discrimination, respect and dignity for lesbians, gay men, bisexuals and trans-gendered workers (LGBT). As is said in the ETUC Congress document adopted in Seville in 2007:

Brussels, 12/12/2009 The European Commission presented – as part of the ‘Renewed Social Agenda’ on 2 July 2008 – a proposal for a directive on patients’ rights in cross-border healthcare. The objective of the proposal is to determine how patients can exercise their right - which has been recognised by the European Court of Justice (EJC) - to seek healthcare in other Member States.

Brussels, 03–04/12/2008

Brussels, 4–5 March 2008 On 17 October 2007, the Commission published a new Communication, entitled Modernising social protection for greater social justice and economic cohesion: taking forward the active inclusion of people furthest from the labour market (COM (2007) 620 final), thus launching a second consultation phase of the social partners.

Brussels, 04-05/03/2008

Brussels, 27/09/2008 The world financial crisis must be a turning point and cause a complete change in the way the financial world works. The dominant model of financial capitalism is close to collapse. This capitalism, liberated from long-standing restraints around 25 years ago, especially in the USA, has been used since as a role model for the rest of the world to follow. It has patronised the many while it exploited them for the benefit of the few, following years of exalting privatisation, deregulation and unfettered markets.

Brussels, July 2008 To download the ETUC Position, click on icon below.

Brussels, June 2008