(8 December 2012) The priority of the PERC meeting was the economic and social crisis in Europe. Union leaders reported on the attacks on workers rights by many governments as well as media and financial circles. These attacks are part of their “crisis exit” policies as trade unions stand in the way of corporations and their political supporters to push through a neo-liberal vision of Europe unions do not agree with (see also the concluding remarks below).
Other issues discussed:
- Activity report 2011
- Programme of work for 2012 and further
- Amendments to the PERC constitution;
- Election of the leadership team. Mikhail Shmakov, FNPR (Russia) was re-elected President and Erich Foglar, President of the Austrian OGB, Mariana Kniesner, president of the Roumanian BNS and Joanna Szymonek of the Polish confederation Solidarnosc, were elected Vice-Presidents.
The second General Assembly of the Pan-European Regional Council (PERC) took place in Brussels 6 December 2011. It brought together around one hundred unionists from Europe. EPSU’s Vasily Shilov participated.
Concluding remarks of the PERC leadership
Today we had the opportunity to meet as trade unionists from the wide
European region. We exchanged our experiences, our difficulties and our
vision for the future. PERC offers us a unique opportunity to do so. We
leave this meeting encouraged that our values, our fights are common ones.
We do not stand alone.
Trade unions are a positive organised force in society. They are a
necessary element of democracy. Day after day we contribute to social
progress, social cohesion and justice. Trade unions are important channels
for negotiating constructive solutions to tremendous difficulties. It is
in this spirit that we work, at all levels within our national
organisations, and within PERC.
We are extremely concerned by attacks on trade union rights that we
witness in many European countries. These attacks violate agreed ILO
standards, the Council of Europe social charter and the EU charter on
fundamental rights. We stand in solidarity with our friends in Georgia,
fighting for the survival of trade unions and also with our friends in
Ukraine, in Belarus, in Hungary, in Romania, in Bulgaria who are facing
unacceptable attacks against trade union rights and freedoms, and against
workers protection. National labour codes must respect basic trade union
and human rights.
Social dialogue is a key component of trade union life. It means
negotiations with employers’ organisations but also, when necessary,
tri-partite discussions with governments and employers. Social dialogue
needs to be supported by a constructive attitude and practical support of
employers and governments. Unfortunately, in many cases, social dialogue
is not taken seriously. It is not enough to invite trade unions for
consultation, their views must be reflected in the decisions taken. Social
dialogue also requires strong trade unions. Organising is a key challenge
for us.
The economic and ideological environment we are operating in is extremely
challenging. We are all facing a crisis which has dramatic consequences on
workers and their families.
To overcome the crisis the solutions proposed by the IMF hand in hand with
the EU are focusing on austerity: wages should be cut, hiring and firing
should be made simpler, working week and working life should be longer;
public services should be privatised. Social protection, when it exists,
tends to be considered as a luxury.
These policies are not the right ones. They do not work where they are
applied. They attack the social fabric and democratic rights. They are
putting the burden on those who have nothing to do with causing the
crisis. We call on political leaders to change their approach, find the
money where it is, tax the rich, end tax havens and tax fraud, and adopt
long term economic plans and not simply short-sighted solutions. We insist
on the application of a Financial Transactions Tax.
The European Union is a leading force in Europe. As such the EU and
individual EU governments have a particular responsibility in defending
and promoting the European social model, consisting of industrial
democracy, social protection and good public services. Internationally
recognized labour rights must be imbedded in all trade negotiations, and
diplomatic contacts taking place in the region.
We are determined to bring our message at all levels, national, sectoral,
sub regional and regional level.
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