Athens, 18/05/2011 I have the tricky task of making a speech covering the international challenges facing the ETUC, the future of the Social Dialogue, and the way the ETUC operates – all very important issues for our future. And all in 10 minutes. Abraham Lincoln managed the Gettysburg address in about the same time so it can be done though selectively, not comprehensively.

Athens, 17/05/2011 The European trade union movement sends a message from Athens to Brussels, where the Economic and Financial Affairs Council (ECOFIN) is taking place. The ETUC highlights that despite the economic measures that the Ministers of finance adopt, inequality, precarious jobs and protection of public services remain fundamental problems for European citizens.

Athens, 16/05/2011

Athens, 16/05/2011 Delegates, distinguish guest, dear friends you are all very much welcome to the 12th congress of the ETUC. The congress is taking place against a background of economic and political turmoil. The financial and economic crisis has hit many of our members severely, not least in Greece. By organising the congress in Athens, we are demonstrating our support for and solidarity with Greek trade unions.

Athens, 16/05/2011 You heard this morning about the problems we have firstly with the bail out packages of Greece, Ireland, Portugal, Latvia, Bulgaria and Romania, and, second, about the Euro Plus Pact which will enter into general force in the eurozone, plus six other countries, in 2013. The matter of central concern in this Pact is the extent to which it will affect wages and collective bargaining.

Brussels, 09/05/2011

Brussels, 29/04/2011 The full implementation of this decision will be deferred for six months (October) to help with the process of inter union talks currently chaired by Professor Zammit. The ETUC will wish to be kept in touch with those talks and the General Secretary will monitor the situation. In the meantime, the For.UM can participate in the ETUC as an observer.

Bruxelles, 22/04/2011 La CES accueille avec satisfaction le fait que le nombre de diplômés en mathématiques, sciences et technologie ait augmenté de 37%, à savoir plus que les prévisions de 15%.

Brussels, 14/04/2011

Brussels, 13/04/2011

Brussels, 11/04/2011 “The Burmese military junta is responsible for appalling crimes over many years. Europe, and the rest of the international community, should support international moves for a UN Inquiry, to ensure that justice is done on behalf of the victims of the regime’s reign of oppression and violence,” said ITUC General Secretary Sharan Burrow.

These encroach on the autonomy of social dialogue and on trade union / employer negotiations. Publishing wage indicators and systematically linking these up with ‘economic governance’ will in practice come at the expense of the bargaining position of trade unions and workers. There will be a race to the bottom.

Brussels, 07/03/2011 Many social protest movements have taken place recently in Europe (Belgium, France, Germany, United Kingdom, Spain, Latvia, etc.) to express the anger of workers against austerity measures and to demand social justice .