Brussels, 24/03/2010 This was ETUC’s message in 2004, when it was first consulted on the revision of the Working Time Directive (WTD). This is again ETUC’s message, in a first response to the Commission’s communication, adopted today, with which it is starting a new round of consultations on the revision of the WTD.

Brussels, 25/03/2010 A string of campaigns and demonstrations have been staged and will continue in Europe. The mobilisation in Greece is not weakening. The whole European trade union movement is determined to make its demands heard on the European day of action on 24 March. Actions will be stepped up over the next few months if these demands are not heeded.

Brussels, 23/03/2010 Those who are now blaming public and social expenditure for holding back economics are confusing cause and consequence. Rising public sector debt did not cause the crisis; high private sector debt caused the crisis and its excess savings of households and companies which weakens recovery.

Brussels, 17/03/2010 In its Executive Committee meeting of 9-10 March, the ETUC adopted a resolution, summarizing the proposals for revision that are deemed urgent.

Brussels, 09/03/2010 The ETUC is concerned to observe that Greece seems to be alone to face a renewed wave of financial market speculation, orchestrated by the ‘Goldman Sachses’ of this world. The European Council, the European Central Bank and the European Commission are giving an entirely wrong message: Speculators are not to be touched while workers and governments are pressed to cut wages, social benefits and public services.

Brussels, 08/03/2010 The ETUC will discuss the aggravation of the economic crisis and notably the deterioration of the employment situation. Messages will be formulated in view of the EPSCO Council [[EPSCO: Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council]] of 8th and 9th March but also in view of the Tripartite Social Summit and Spring Council of 25th and 26th March. Proposals will include those to regulate the financial markets and to avoid the return of speculation that devastates economies.

Manchester, 05/03/2010 Secretary of State, Welcome to this official opening of the People’s History Museum. The people’s story is not an easy one. Sometimes as an old friend used to say to me – “the working class goes from defeat to defeat, to defeat to final victory” – I was never quite sure if he believed it. You will certainly see in this museum, misery, lost strikes and repression.

Brussels, 05/03/2010

Brussels, 04/03/2010

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, 03/03/2010 “How to deal with rising unemployment, especially among the young; how to tackle all the incentives in current tax systems and capital markets which encourage speculation and short-termism at the expense of long-term commitment to the real economy; and how to find new ways of raising public funds, especially using Financial Transaction Taxes and Eurobonds”.

Brussels, 03/03/2010 REACH says that industrial operators must register any substances they manufacture or import in quantities above one tonne a year with the new European Chemicals Agency. The CLP (Classification, Labelling, Packaging) Regulation says they have to notify ECHA of the classification and labelling of all hazardous substances they place on the market, no matter what the production volume. Too many European firms still do not know about these obligations, and could end up being fined if they do not fulfil them on time.

Athens, 24/02/2010 “Panta rhei” – everything flows – said Heraclitus. Abraham Lincoln once sent a message to the cotton workers of Manchester, who were unemployed because of their support for the blockade of Southern American posts in the war against slavery. Lincoln memorably said “The strongest bond of human sympathy outside the family relation should be one uniting working people of all nations and tongues.”