Brussels, 28/01/2011 In the chaotic proceedings of the European Parliament we are witnessing an attempt to adopt a Directive that could have serious consequences for the labour market and for European society. More specifically, whereas spokespersons claim to defend equal treatment, the Directive actually excludes certain groups of workers, namely: seasonal workers, workers posted from third countries, intra-group workers, and workers who arrive under a General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS).

Brussels, 26/01/2011 The UGTT has been the target of attacks in several regions of the country. The ETUC draws attention to the fact that the Tunisian trade union federation has demonstrated a responsible attitude and that it is one of the main pillars of the democratic renewal in Tunisia. The ETUC and all its member organisations will continue to stand beside the UGTT and the Tunisian people who are fighting for a better future, democracy and social justice.

Brussels, 24/01/2011 There was wide agreement on the need to urgently meet the Prime Minister of Hungary (and current President of the EU) to discuss the crisis and Europe’s response to it, along with the threat to Social Europe, the public sector and workers rights posed by the austerity and other measures in the EU. The ETUC will keep in close touch with the unions and plan further activities in Hungary.

Brussels, 19/01/2011 These improvements concern in particular: - The social and sanitary dimension of healthcare, particularly by complementing the legal basis of this directive, initially based solely on Article 114 relating to the internal market, with Article 168 relating to public health; - Patient safety and the guarantee that the reimbursement of healthcare costs incurred in another Member State shall be at the same level as that in their home country;

Dublin, 19/01/2011 Thanks for the invitation to come back a second time to the IIEA. Last time, we were talking about referendums and treaties and the reasons for Ireland to vote yes to a European future. As someone who believes strongly in a European future, I am only grateful that Ireland does not have to have a referendum on Europe now, in relation to the current crisis. In fact, Ireland has had a great deal of support from the EU especially the liquidity funding from the ECB, but it is also taking heavy punishment from the EU and IMF.

Brussels, 19/01/2011

Brussels, 18/01/2011 The European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) reminds finance ministers that labour market flexibility does not create more jobs. Flexibility simply promotes precarious work, drives out good jobs, and creates high and rising inequalities.

Brussels, 17/01/2011

Brussels, 13/01/2011 The ETUC has written to Catherine Ashton, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the Commission, expressing its deep concerns as well as those of the Tunisian trade union movement with which the ETUC cooperates.

Brussels, 12/01/2011 Yet, as the financial crisis has proved, it is unrealistic to expect countries to be able to keep to the strict rules in exceptional circumstances such as now. The bad debts of the banks and their transfer to the public balance sheet have made it impossible for countries to keep to the current rules, and unless there is an exceptional period of growth, some will still be in breach of the stronger rules by 2013. This is a recipe for a collision with democracy.

Brussels, 11/01/2011 The ETUC has received reports from trade unions in Greece and Ireland about the role of EU Commission officials in implementing the EU/IMF rescue packages. According to these reports, it looks clear that the Commission officials are ignoring social dialogue and collective bargaining processes and directly intervening in the labour markets of these countries. Diktats are being issued which are designed to lower living standards.

Brussels, 06/01/2011