Brussels, 26/06/2012 The ETUC and IndustriAll are launching another extensive information campaign aimed at companies that market or use chemicals. The new campaign will kick off at the 8th annual trade union conference on chemicals and workers’ protection (26-27 June, Brussels) in the presence of delegates from across Europe. The two European unions plan to draw on all their member organisations and their thousands of elected representatives in companies all-over Europe to raise awareness about employers’ obligations under the REACH regulation.

Brussels, 19/06/2012 The European Commission has been preparing a comprehensive directive on musculoskeletal disorders almost ten years now. On several occasions the European Parliament has expressed its wish for a rapid conclusion to this exercise. “A global Community legislation on musculoskeletal risks would represent added value for the Member States and boost prevention policies in a more effective manner” said Judith Kirton-Darling, Confederal Secretary of the ETUC.

Brussels, 06/06/2012 The European social model should be promoted, not attacked. As much as fundamental rights, wages also contribute to getting out of the crisis, whereas deregulation has contributed to an increase in unemployment and widened inequality to the point of creating an untenable economic but also political situation.

Brussels, 22/05/2012 The economic situation of Europe is more than dire and many trade unions are mobilising to express the social anxiety of workers and citizens.

Brussels, 16/05/2012 The youth unemployment rate is twice as high as the average. For two thirds of young Europeans, ‘employment’ equals fixed-term contracts, part-time employment imposed rather than chosen, temping, seasonal or undeclared work. The general rise of job insecurity in Europe affects young people in particular, who are often considered as labour that is available at a pittance.

Brussels, 16/05/2012 As democratic representative organisations, trade unions play a special role in society and contribute effectively to the development of many aspects of society, including education. Trade unions should continue to be at the forefront in tackling any forms of discrimination, at the workplace and in all their actions and activities. Good practices have already been initiated at national level by many public authorities, civil society organisations and trade unions. Let’s share them and expand them!

16/05/2012

Brussels, 15/05/2012

Brussels, 10/05/2012

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