(Athens 17 May 2011) Today the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) Congress discussed a new economic narrative for Europe. Trade union delegates urged EU institutions to go back to the heart of Europe and stop undermining trade union rights, jobs, pay and public services. The question is not whether we say yes to Europe or not, but which direction Europe should take.
“The European Commission is perverting the spirit of the Lisbon Treaty and its foundations; social protection, decent pay and public services as the concrete expression of fundamental rights. The obsession with the market is creating disaffection with Europe. As a matter of emergency we call for an end to the austerity measures, the introduction of a European tax on financial transactions and investment in public service jobs” said Carola Fischbach-Pyttel, General Secretary of the European Federation of Public Service Unions (EPSU).
The European Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion László Andor fell short of recognizing that public services are part of the solution to solving the crisis. The crisis was driven by excessive short term profits and inequalities, yet the EU coordinated austerity package will fuel further inequalities and xenophobia. The only positive statement by Mr. Andor is his expressed support for a European Financial Transactions Tax. EPSU will hold him to his word. This is yet again a concrete expression that the voices in favor of employment and social justice must drive the EU agenda.
A fair distribution of wealth is also central to the trade union agenda. EPSU and its affiliates call for those who have made and are making money out of the crisis to pay their share. “A key tool this end is fair progressive taxation”, said Anne-Marie Perret, EPSU President when moving a related amendment to the ETUC Congress resolution.
For more information contact, Pablo Sanchez, [email protected] 00 32 4 74 62 66 33
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