Brussels, 15/12/2009 The Copenhagen negotiations are taking place against a very unusual backdrop, as the economic and financial crisis triggers unprecedented unemployment in Europe and demonstrates the dominance of the financial system over the real economy.

Brussels, 02/12/2009

Brussels, 30/11/2009

Brussels, 30/11/2009 All the ETUC member unions will be meeting in its Executive Committee to discuss questions of topical interest to European trade unionism. The European trade unions will be mapping out a forthcoming campaign to put forward some proposals to counter the social and economic crisis which is causing so many problems, in particular in terms of employment. This campaign will be the opportunity to frame some messages aimed at the recently renewed European institutions, under the Lisbon Treaty which is very shortly to come into force.

London, 24/11/2009 Thanks to the European Business School for this invitation, and not least for the chance to renew my duels with John Cridland, sometime partner, sometime adversary, but always well respected in whatever guise he appears, however dastardly.

Brussels, 24/11/2009 For the most part they are members of the Confederation of Public Sector Trade Unions (KESK) and members of its teachers’ union Eğitim-Sen. Many of them hold important posts within their trade union, in particular for women’s affairs.

Brussels, 20/11/2009 John Monks said that the ETUC is looking forward to working with them in their important new jobs and expected them to help forge a new, more influential Europe. “Both are excellent candidates for the highest offices with a record of working well with trade unions. We count on them to take the EU forward.”

Brussels, 17/11/2009 The ETUC is concerned about political announcements predicting that the Copenhagen Conference in December will not result in a legally binding treaty on climate change. Putting off the signature of a treaty under discussion for months would be a bad political signal for the planet and would seriously burden future generations.

Brussels, 16/11/2009 The declaration, titled “Fight discrimination and guarantee equality for all”, was issued by the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) and Social Platform. It urged decision makers to take action on the following six points: 1) Ensure the adoption by the European Council of the proposed Article 13 Directive protecting against discrimination on the grounds of age, disability, religion or belief, and sexual orientation in all areas of life

Brussels, 10/11/2009 Thank you, Chairman for this invitation and opportunity to comment on the causes of this crisis and the challenges for the EU. The ETUC’s position can be summarised as follows:

Brussels, 10/11/2009 "They have a moral and public responsibility for the damage they have caused and it is now high time that they contribute to the reparations. Millions of workers are losing their jobs. Millions of young people cannot find a job or are hopping from one unstable job to another precarious one. It is a question of moral justice to help the innocent victims instead of paying bonuses to those who are responsible for the mess”.

Brussels, 09/11/2009 According to the ETUC, the economic policy mix is erring on two major points: - Policy is massively supporting the bankers but bank lending to the real economy is not starting again. - In the face of a weak and fragile recovery, fiscal policy should not go for premature ‘exit strategies’ but maintain and improve demand policy measures by investing in social and green infrastructure.