Brussels, 02/12/2011 Although the ETUC recognises the important contribution made by SMEs to create jobs and growth, it opposes the proposal to exempt them from EU legislation. Exempting small companies carrying out low risk activities from producing a written risk assessment, as proposed by the Commission, is a threat to workers' health and safety.

Brussels, 29/11/2011 Several major trade union actions, such as strikes, demonstrations and rallies, are taking place across Europe. European workers stand against social regression and demand the end of austerity measures.

Brussels, 28/11/2011 Commenting on the OECD’s projections and proposals the Trade Union Advisory Committee (TUAC) General Secretary John Evans said, “the OECD figures even in a “muddling through” scenario present an unacceptable economic and social prospect. Without waiting for a further deterioration the countries that the OECD itself has identified as having the fiscal space should give stimulus to aggregate demand to kick-start the global economy”.

Brussels, 28/11/2011

Brussels, 24/11/2011 Numerous key issues, from the fair redistribution of wealth to the definition of a new economic model, employment and workers' rights as well as reform of the financial system, will be addressed at different round tables. On the second day of the event, ETUC General Secretary Bernadette Ségol will participate in the plenary session on a new progressive Europe. For more information on the Progressive Convention, see: http://www.pes.org/en/renew/convention

Brussels, 23/11/2011 However, our economies, our jobs, our social systems and indeed our single currency itself continue to be pushed to the brink of collapse by irrational financial market speculation. The situation is urgent and we cannot afford to wait for the outcome of a Green paper. The ETUC therefore calls upon the European Central Bank (ECB) to act right now and do what any other well-respected central bank around the world would do: Stop the madness of financial speculation and contagion by confronting the markets with a wall of finance and liquidity.

Brussels, 15/11/2011

Brussels, 15/11/2011 ETUC had expressed grave concern about the possible discontinuation of the food aid programme for the most deprived, given the particularly difficult economic and social situation. The ETUC General Secretary had at the time sent a letter to the presidents of the European Commission and the Council of the European Union to ask that one of the few programmes that symbolises European solidarity be maintained.

Brussels, 15/11/2011 Following a decision in the United States to open such an investigation, the ETUC urges Karel De Gucht and Catherine Ashton, to take action that will lead the Georgian authorities to understand that concrete progress on labour rights is now essential if they are to hope to develop their relations with the European Union. The ETUC also calls on the High representative to raise the issue during her visit to the country this week. - ETUC letter

Brussels, 15/11/2011 The aim of the negotiations will be to conclude an agreement, to be implemented by Council decision in accordance with Article 155 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. The first negotiation meeting is scheduled for 8 December 2011. Should the European social partners be able to conclude these negotiations within the nine month period foreseen by the Treaty, they would inform the Commission of the results achieved at the beginning of September 2012.

15/11/2011

Brussels, 14/11/2011