Union Action stepped up for Social pillar in Energy Community

(18 November) The unions met in a combative spirit. They reported on the actions undertaken to obtain a social pillar in the South East European Energy Community. The unions welcomed the positive statement on the Memorandum on the social dimension of the SEE Energy Community by European Energy Commissioner Andris Piebalgs at the EPSU Energy Conference (4 November).

But work needs to be speeded up. The Memorandum needs to be finished and discussed urgently. “We see no discussion on the social dimension in our countries. We want the Energy Ministers of the EU and the energy ministers of the SEE Energy Community to support the social pillar” argued one of the participants. EPSU Deputy General Secretary stated: “An unbalanced way forward, solely focused on competition and economic interests, undermines the positive signal of European cooperation. We need a Social Europe, not a Europe governed by corporate interests”.

The unions agreed a number of urgent actions including participation in the demonstration 1 December 2005, Brussels. A cooperation agreement and an annual work programme were concluded.

The seminar was organised by EPSU/PSI with financial support of the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung. The local organisation was provided by the Slovenian Energy union, SDE.

- Read the press release