Georgian trade unions have today joined the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC), a move which will help raise labour standards to the required levels for accession to the EU.The ETUC’s executive committee voted unanimously in favour of membership for the Georgian Trade Unions Confederation (GTUC), which is made up of 20 trade unions representing 156,000 workers in every sector of the economy.The GTUC plays a leading role in Georgia in the fight for democracy as well as workers’ rights and decent living standards.

The Council has today backed plans to strengthen the directive on European Works Councils. This is good news on the way to revision of the Directive. European Works Councils are meant to ensure that, despite the increasingly international nature of the economy,  workers’ rights to information and consultation about management decisions are upheld.

Raising interest rates is “costly and ineffective” in tackling the profit-driven inflation and instead punishes working people and prevents climate action, a new

The European Commission today announced that it is opening a ‘Excessive Deficit Procedure’ for Belgium, France, Italy, Hungary, Malta, Poland and Slovakia. Reacting to the announcement, ETUC General Secretary Esther Lynch said: “Forcing member states to make draconian cuts to public expenditure is a recipe for economic, social and political disaster. “The obsession with deficit reduction completely misses addressing the challenges Europe is facing with the twin transitions. What Europe needs is social and green investments.

Action needed to prevent work-related cancer will continue until at least 2028 under an agreement signed today by trade unions, businesses and member states.Cancer is the leading cause of work-related deaths in the EU with over 100,000 cancer deaths each year.The Roadmap on Carcinogens was launched in 2016 in an effort to tackle this scandal, leading to the introduction of safer exposure limits on dozens of dangerous substances commonly found in workplaces.

Trade unions are the motor of social justice. Yet, addressing the overlapping crises and long-term structural economic transformations will require coordinated efforts by other actors too.

ETUC General Secretary Esther Lynch addressed the International Labour Conference in Geneva. The following speech was delivered on 10 June 2024 during the plenary discussion on the report of the Director General titled 'Towards a Renewed Social Contract'. Check against delivery President and distinguished delegates,

Tesla’s attack on collective bargaining is part of a “worrying trend” which has seen workers’ rights eroded more quickly in Europe than in any other region of the world, according to a major new report.

Commenting on the European election exit poll, ETUC General Secretary Esther Lynch said:“While waiting for the full results, it is already clear that there will still be a democratic majority in the European Parliament, which means there is no need, or excuse, for backroom deals with any part of the anti-worker far-right. “But these preliminary results also make clear that business as usual cannot continue. Europe needs to urgently resolve the economic and social insecurity that lies behind growing anger and fear in our society.

The European trade union movement is sounding the alarm at proposals being tabled for the EU Talent Pool. The proposal would greenlight recruitment sharks who use exploitative methods. 

Responding to the ECB’s decision to cut interest rates from record levels, ETUC General Secretary Esther Lynch said:“Today’s decision is long overdue against a background of inflation which has been driven by the record profits of the biggest corporations - not by working people experiencing a historic cut in their living standards.

Did you know about the tradition pea soup 🍵✊ on picket lines in Finland❓From Helsinki to Europe - the only thing that's hotter than our soup is our determination to stand up for democracy.#SAKedustajisto 🤩 the workers of @duunarit are an inspiration. pic.twitter.com/n38syA4mE6

"We need to make sure to protect the right to organize, form and join trade unions against all union busting practices" @EstherLynchs speech at @ETUI_org event on "Shaping a new social contract for AI"

The call for an immediate ceasefire is more urgent than ever.  In response to the Foreign Affairs Council meeting on 27 May 2024, the ETUC reiterates our call on the EU to use all leverage to secure an immediate ceasefire and the release of all hostages, and concrete measures to ensure the government of Israel’s compliance with the ICJ ruling concerning the halting of military operations in Rafah and allowing the access of humanitarian aid into Gaza.

It is through our struggles at the workplace, in the streets and at the ballot box that we have won the freedom of the weekend, of a paid holiday, the freedom to take a stand for what is right.It’s time to get out to vote to protect our freedoms.As we enter the decisive last few days ahead of the EU elections, here are some ways you can help get out the vote for a fair deal for workers.Share this video: 

Commenting on the Eurovision debate, ETUC General Secretary Esther Lynch said: “European citizens have said clearly that their top priorities for this election campaign are the fight against poverty, strong public services and the economy and jobs. “It is clearer than ever after today’s debate that some politicians are standing for a fair deal for workers over the next five years by delivering fair pay, increased investment not more austerity and a just transition to a green economy.

The bosses of far-right parties across Europe and the world made clear their intention to attack the public services essential for working communities to thrive. While working people face a cost-of-living crisis and businesses continue to hand out historically high dividends, far-right speakers at a Madrid event over the weekend defended free-market neoliberalism and railed against the welfare state while down-playing income inequality.

The economic forecast published today by the European Commission shows the need for Europe to start supporting investment and fair pay. 

A directive aimed at ending stress at work must be a priority for the next European Commission if it is serious about improving mental health in Europe. The European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) is making the call for legislation on psychosocial risks in the workplace during European Mental Health Week. 

The ETUC is gravely concerned with the extraordinary growth in the number of wars and violent conflicts and with the current state of peace and security in Europe and the world. The EU must prioritise the use of the wide range of diplomatic, trade and conflict resolution tools at its disposal. We call for a redoubling of efforts for peace.

On World Press Freedom Day, the ETUC and the EFJ stand in solidarity with journalists and media workers everywhere and reaffirm our commitment to defending press freedom across Europe. 

Dear colleagues, I am happy to contact you on the eve of the 2024 International Workers’ Day – in a crucial time for workers and their trade unions.  This is the first International Workers’ Day since the Berlin Congress and celebration of the 50 years of the ETUC in and since our common demand for a fair deal for workers. 

This International Workers’ Day, all eyes are on Europe. As we celebrate the bonds of friendship between workers and the collective power we have through our trade unions we also look ahead to the EU elections.

The number of people dying at work due to extreme heat is increasing faster in the European Union than any other part of the world, new data shows ahead of International Workers’ Memorial Day. According to estimates provided to the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) by the International Labour Organisation (ILO), 80,800 people suffered injuries at work due to heat exposure in 2020 and 67 people died as a result of working in extreme heat. 

Today marks a historic day for workers' rights and corporate accountability as the European Parliament adopts the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive. This directive is a historic breakthrough, heralding a new era of accountability and liability for businesses operating within the EU. The milestones include: