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.

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.

Brussels, 01/07/2008

Brussels, 01/07/2008 The ECB’s fears of inflationary wage developments are misguided. Here are six reasons why:

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.

Brussels, 26/06/2008

Brussels, 25/06/2008

Brussels, 25/06/2008

Brussels, 19/06/2008

Brussels, 19/06/2008

Brussels, 19/06/2008 Change is a feature of modern economies and societies requiring workers and companies to adapt constantly. The European social partners have undertaken joint work on restructuring. They first undertook a study in the countries that joined the EU in 2004, with the main objective of better understanding the economic and social challenges faced by companies and workers in terms of restructuring. This study has then been extended to the remaining EU countries, as part of the Integrated Programme of the European Social Partners 2006-2008.

Brussels, 18/06/2008 The ETUC has strong concerns that several provisions of the Council Common Position run counter to basic fundamental rights. In particular, provisions relating to the length of the detention, the 5 year re-entry ban on the territory and forced returns to countries other than the country of origin are in its view unacceptable. The ETUC has expressed its concerns about the repressive nature of the Directive and has urged the Parliament to at least establish acceptable norms in terms of the protection of migrants’ human rights.