• Joint letter from the European social partners on childcare

    Joint letter from the European social partners on childcare

    Brussels, 07/07/2008 The European social partners agree on the crucial role childcare plays in promoting the participation of women in the labour market and narrowing the gender pay gap. For this reason, as part of their broader discussions on reconciliation of professional, private and family life, they have decided to launch their joint activities in this field with a letter on childcare sent to the European Commission in view of a communication on this issue, due in September 2008.
    Press release Published on 07.07.2008
  • Social agenda: modest step forward

    Social agenda: modest step forward

    Brussels, 02/07/2008 In today’s social package there are some good intentions but will not be enough to win the hearts and minds of the people of Europe and to meet their needs. A more ambitious approach is necessary, for example on European Works Councils (EWC), on the Posted Workers Directive and on the current decisions of the European Court of Justice (ECJ) which are elevating the Single Market above fundamental rights. ETUC is also seeking a clear initiative on the social implications of the targets on carbon emissions.
    Press release Published on 02.07.2008
  • 1st ASEM (the Asia-Europe Meeting) Social Partners Forum

    1st ASEM (the Asia-Europe Meeting) Social Partners Forum

    Brussels, 30/06-01/07/2008 {{{CLOSING SESSION: Bali and beyond – strengthening EU-Asia strategic cooperation on global market issues and decent work}}} {{ To be checked against delivery}} I would first like to thank the European Commission, the Indonesian Government, and the two EU Presidencies which have straddled this two-day conference for helping to bring into effect the decisions of the Helsinki Summit concerning the promotion of social dialogue in the ASEM context.
    Speech Published on 02.07.2008
  • French Presidency must act on Social Europe

    French Presidency must act on Social Europe

    Brussels, 30/06/2008 The social dimension will depend very much on the concrete legislative proposals of the New Social Agenda to be announced on Wednesday which should be progressive unlike the unfortunate political agreement on working time. The ETUC expects the French Presidency to take up the widespread unease within Europe amongst citizens and workers; and to this end, a social progress protocol added to the treaties at the next revision would be an important step forwards.
    Press release Published on 30.06.2008