Workers deserve better from Europe
Issued on September 29, 2011 at 02:39 PM
Union - Vision - Action
UNI Europa - which represents millions of service workers throughout Europe - is holding its third Delegate Conference in Toulouse at a pivotal moment: as the interests of European workers are coming under fire during the current economic crisis. UNI Europa's 330 member trade unions (including IBOA The Finance Union) - which, together represent over 7 million members - are facing intense pressure from employers and governments to lower working conditions and pay.
"Four years ago at our last congress in Athens," said UNI Europa General Secretary, Oliver Roethig, "we came to the conclusion that social dialogue had run aground. Today, the situation has seriously deteriorated. The European Union has turned its back on the original idea of a united Europe that guided the EU until the 1990s, that is to say a just and social Europe where living and working conditions improve for all and where the rights of workers and the role of trade unions are respected.
"Our union is the key to our success. We need to break through the glass wall that exists between the European and the national level in terms of trade union action. If
we maintain this barrier, governments and employers will use its existence against us in line with their divide and rule policy. But if we are united, we can improve the living and working conditions of workers and their families throughout Europe
"Our vision is a European social model capable of providing workers with quality jobs and social and trade union protection in all companies and countries; it's a goal we
have pursued since our first conference in Stockholm in 2003. We will not rest on our laurels and simply defend past victories.
"We intend to take the struggle forward and fight for a modern society where growth is distributed fairly. Over the coming days we shall be fixing objectives for the next four years. Judging by the many contributions we have already received from participants, we are confident that decisions will be made on all the ambitious and determinedmotions and action points.
"Our action needs to be based on trade union links bringing us closer together. If we can rely on the strength of each of the unions that are affiliated to UNI Europa, we
will be able to mobilise a large number of activists and defend the interests of European workers, be it at company level or at the European Parliament, and we shall do
so with energy and determination," he said.
Conference Briefings:
UNI Europa delegates get motivated at start of conference in Toulouse
Unions must not allow governments and business to divide and rule
Pulling out of the crisis will take a massive collective effort
You can also follow the Conference blog by clicking here.
Photographs from the Conference are available on Flicker by clicking here.
