Brussels, 14/03/2013
The announcement by the Council of December 2012 to the effect that the European authorities would endeavour to strengthen the social dimension of the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU), including social dialogue, for the Council in June gave rise to legitimate expectations among workers who, increasingly, are starting to think that Europe is part of the problem and not part of the solution.
The austerity measures are plunging some countries into recession. Bernadette Ségol, ETUC general secretary, said: “Austerity is a failure. It has not succeeded in reducing deficits and is having a devastating social and economic effect. Applied in a deteriorating economic context, this blind austerity has only worsened the situation. It has widened inequalities and further increased the loss of job security. The social models are coming under attack because of the crisis. Everywhere in Europe, employment is becoming precarious and wages are being revised downwards. The European trade union rally that we are organising today will concentrate on two priorities: the end of austerity and the fight against youth unemployment.”
The Council of 14 and 15 March must therefore respond to the social emergency. The ETUC has drawn up precise proposals in a Social Compact. The European trade union is calling for a change of course with the emphasis on a sustainable recovery with more and better jobs, based on an investment plan equivalent to at least 1% of the European GDP each year. Europe must come out of the crisis stronger than ever.
Based on industrial relations and social dialogue, social protection and public services, the European social model is a source of support and not an obstacle to competitiveness and growth.
- Link to the website dedicated to the European trade union action: http://www.etuc.org/a/10843