According to the European Working Conditions Survey launched today more than one third of workers report some or great difficulty in making ends meet. This is the reality behind the rosier picture painted by the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions which highlights an “increasingly skilled workforce, largely satisfied with work”. However, the study also reveals that

On International Migrants Day, the ETUC wishes to express its solidarity and support for undocumented migrants. Too often, sans papiers suffer the humiliating and degrading experience of being excluded from society, on top of inhumane working conditions. 

The EU could raise low pay, benefitting workers and families throughout Europe and beyond, says the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC). In the run up to the World Day of Decent Work on October 7, the ETUC is highlighting

The gig economy needs to grow up and meet its responsibilities to workers and society by turning undeclared work into declared work, and the European Commission needs to help online platforms to do so warned the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC), together with UNI Europa, the European Services Workers Union.

Trade union leaders, meeting today in London to discuss the next steps for the EU and the UK after the Brexit referendum, agreed   

The launch of the European Commission’s ‘Undeclared Work Platform’ on Friday 27 May is a long overdue initiative to tackle the exploitation of workers and unfair competition for law-abiding employers says the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC).  It is estimated that up to 20% of Europe’s GDP is in the ‘shadow economy’, and  11% of Europeans say they purchased goods or services involving undeclared work last year (in 2013).

ETUC assessment of the European Commission Work Programme 2016   ETUC position adopted at the ETUC Executive Commitee on the 16-17 December 2015 Introduction   This paper provides an ETUC assessment of the European Commission’s (EC) Work Programme 2016 (WP) No Time for Business as Usual.  

Unionen in Sweden and IG Metall in Germany have agreed to work together to find ways organise the growing number of people working in isolation through online platforms. It is estimated that some 700,000 people in Sweden are earning their living through ‘crowd-working’: selling their labour to employers via platform-based companies, a phenomenon also known as the sharing or ‘gig’ economy. Many of these online jobs are precarious and badly paid. ILO research indicates that workers suffer from lack of autonomy, constant pressure and no way of claiming their rights.

In a change of policy, the Dutch PostNL delivery company has agreed to offer permanent contracts to all new staff in the parcel delivery service.   In the past, the company relied on a network of freelance workers who did not qualify for social security benefits such as pensions, sick leave or paid holidays. Dutch union FNV condemned this as a form of bogus self-employment designed to circumvent labour obligations. PostNL has now agreed to give staff the choice of a permanent contract.

The Mandate Trade Union, representing workers in the Irish retail sector, has just released the results of a survey which proves that joining a trade union really does pay dividends. It finds that unionised shop workers earn 30% more than those in the non-union sector. They take home an average of €13.03 per hour, whereas non-unionised workers get just €10.04.

Adopted at the meeting of the ETUC Executive Committee on 12 June 2014   The result of the elections demonstrates the growing distance between workers and citizens with the EU institutions and their leaders.  It is a clear signal that austerity policies imposed by national governments during the last five years failed.  

Speech given by Bernadette Ségol, General Secretary of the European Trade Union Confederation OPZZ Congress [Check against delivery]     I bring you warm and fraternal greetings from the workers of Europe.  I am very glad to share with you a special moment in the life of OPZZ:  your congress and your 30th anniversary.  Happy birthday.  Sto lat.  

Speech given by Bernadette Ségol, ETUC General Secretary DGB Congress in Berlin Check against delivery   Ladies and Gentlemen, I would first like to congratulate you on electing Reiner Hoffmann as Chairman of the German Trade Union Confederation.

Discorso pronunciato da Bernadette Ségol, Segretaria generale della CES Congresso della CGIL Fa fede solo il discorso pronunciato   Presidente, Cara Susanna, Care compagne, Cari compagni   Vi porto il caloroso e fraterno saluto dei lavoratori di tutta Europa. Sono felice di condividere con voi questo momento forte e importante della vita della CGIL: il vostro Congresso nazionale. 

Brussels, 07/11/2013 Annexes available in the PDF version Introduction

Brussels, 22-23/10/2013 For quality jobs, equality and democracy in Europe! From 22 to 25 May 2014, elections will be organised in each Member State of the European Union (EU) to elect the MEPs who will sit in the next European Parliament (EP). In particular, the European Parliament has the power to approve or reject European laws, decide on the European budget and choose the President of the European Commission.

Rome, 04/03/2010 Luigi, delegates and fellow guests. It is a great pleasure to return to the UIL Congress and to have this opportunity for a short address. It is my normal wish when returning to address a Congress to paint a picture of our achievements and successes since we last met, while of course tackling the challenges that are new or are still outstanding.

Brussels, 12/03/2008

Brussels, 7-8 December 2006