Brussels, 11/12/2012 The gap between the emission reduction levels recommended by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) on the one hand, and the commitments made on the other, continues to be a matter of grave concern. Although a global effort is needed to cut emissions by 50% by 2050 in order to keep global warming below two degrees centigrade, the current promises will inexorably bring us to a global warming level of four degrees.

Brussels, 10/12/2012 The awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to EU last October was hailed by the ETUC. On that occasion, the ETUC reiterated the need to guarantee social stability in the Union. The first clear signal to that end must be the abandoning of austerity policies. In their place, the European trade union proposes a social compact based on social justice.

Brussels, 05/12/2012 Having been committed for several years to these issues, the ETUC has welcomed proposals such as the youth guarantee, a measure that should be continued and which should be considered as an investment. In view of the urgency and importance of the situation, this commitment should be backed by appropriate resources, in particular from the Social Fund and other structural funds.

Brussels, 27/11/2012

Brussels, 30/11/2012

28/11/2012

Brussels, 28/11/2012 Pregnancy and maternity protection is essential for achieving gender equality and the protection of women’s rights. There is evidence that maternity related discrimination is still a significant problem and increasing due to the crisis. This is a reason why, the ETUC and the EWL believe that the proposals put forward for a revised Directive would make a positive difference to millions of women and their babies. Women’s participation in labour market is crucial to our economy and the recovery.

Brussels, 27/11/2012 In Colombia, one of the most dangerous countries in the world for trade unionists, CUT-CGT-CTC have not been invited to discuss the proposal. Participation has also been lacking in Peru. The text refers to a “National Agreement” (Acuerdo Nacional) in which many trade unions like CUT and CATP and civil society organisations were not involved, while it also mentions the existence of an ECOSOC that has never been set up. In general, the two roadmaps do not address essential concerns and concrete and binding measures regarding :

Brussels, 16/11/2012 Says Bernadette Ségol, ETUC General Secretary: “Under pressure from the Troika, national governments are pushed to take measures which attack collective bargaining rights. We should take seriously the ILO message that this situation cannot continue. The European Union, recently awarded the Peace Nobel Prize, must remember why it was created: to guarantee peace, prosperity and social justice”. - ILO press release: http://www.ilo.org/brussels/press/press-releases/WCMS_193308/lang--en/index.htm

Brussels, 15/11/2012

Brussels, 12/11/2012

Brussels, 09/11/2012 The day of action on 14 November will take various forms: for example, there will be strikes in Spain, Portugal, Greece and Italy. For the first time in its history, an ETUC day of action will include simultaneous strikes in four countries. Strikes are not the only type of action involved. Demonstrations will be held in France and in some Eastern countries (Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovenia and Romania).

Brussels, 05/11/2012 For years now, Europe’s trade unions have been speaking out against austerity measures. These measures dragging Europe into economic stagnation, indeed recession with the result that growth has stopped and unemployment is rising inexorably. Cuts to salaries and social protection are attacking the European social model, worsening imbalances and fostering injustice.