Brussels, 08/05/2012 The ETUC strongly rejects the Commission’s proposal concerning the application of financial sanctions and incentives regarding Structural Funds, linked to the Stability and Growth Pact. These sanctions would penalise already weak Member States, regions and localities. The result would be the impoverishment of the people of the European Union and thus contrary to the basic principles of economic, social and territorial cohesion policy as reaffirmed in the Lisbon Treaty.

Brussels, 03/05/2012 “The Commission’s original proposal was already very conservative in its scope and demands”, stated Judith Kirton-Darling, ETUC Confederal Secretary, ahead of the meeting, “and now national governments are watering down those limited demands, rather than seeing energy efficiency as a means of creating hundreds of thousands of jobs in Europe. Jobs we need urgently!”

Brussels, 30/04/2012 Growth is now at the heart of European debates. Since Mario Draghi’s declaration, Herman Van Rompuy, President of the European Council sent a letter to the Heads of State encouraging them to foster growth. Angela Merkel is also calling for growth without renouncing the Fiscal compact.

Brussels, 30/04/2012

Brussels, 27/04/2012 According to the ILO at least 167 000 fatalities have been attributed to work-related accidents and diseases in the EU demonstrating a range of bad working practices, poor health and safety conditions at the workplace and a disparaging attitude towards workers’ health and lives by those who are primarily responsible for occupational health and safety issues.

Brussels, 25/04/2012 Bernadette Ségol, ETUC General Secretary, stated: “In light of the country’s still high level of corruption and poor record on human rights, we propose binding requirements to assess and remedy any negative human rights impact from investments; public reporting; and the creation of effective complaints and dispute-settlement instruments, among others, which are absolutely necessary to ensure that any new trade and investment do not contribute to the country’s problems”.

Brussels, 19/04/2012 The European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) therefore welcomes today’s decision of the European Parliament plenary to approve the Directive on a Common Consolidated Corporate Tax Base as a first important step towards limiting corporate tax dumping. The ETUC calls upon the Commission to complement the common tax base with a proposal to define a minimum tax rate on corporate profits.

Stockholm, 25-28/05/2012 The invitation to contribute to this celebratory anthology of the LO prompted me to discuss my vision for a European future from a trade union perspective that takes into account matters dear to my heart and emphasizes Social Europe.

Brussels, 18/04/2012

Brussels, 02/04/2012 “We’ve waited 15 years for the recommendations from Gyllenhammar to be taken up. In those 15 years, millions of European workers have been subject to poorly planned and unfairly implemented restructuring processes. After 5 years of economic crisis, our patience is at its limits”, stated Judith Kirton-Darling ETUC Confederal Secretary. “It’s time for action on the right to training, stronger worker participation, and an industrial policy agenda promoting innovation and job creation”.

Brussels, 30/03/2012 The Revised European Social Charter, together with its Protocols, constitute the main tools for guaranteeing the protection of fundamental social rights in Europe. The ETUC urges the European Union and those member states that have not ratified the revised charter to do so as soon as possible. It is equally important that all member states adhere to the Collective Complaint Procedure.

Brussels, 29/03/2012 The European Union is at a crossroads and is living through the worst crisis of its history. It is time to further encourage a common understanding of what Europe needs, and find solutions to pave the way out of this exceptional situation. With their fourth autonomous work programme, European social partners intend to address the most essential issues at stake in order to foster better functioning labour markets and reach the EU 2020 employment rate target of 75% in order to create more and better jobs.

Brussels, 28/03/2012 The labour market reforms currently being put in place in many European countries, and particularly in Spain, are a matter of serious concern to the ETUC. They are unfair and unacceptable because they attack social protection policies, labour law and collective bargaining. Spain's political leaders – pushed by European Union requirements - are following a disastrous logic that leads to recession and unemployment. Constructive social dialogue is essential to prevent workers from having to pay for the crisis.