Trade, Training/life-long learning
Report reveals role of collective bargaining in reducing inequality
(March 2017) A new report, produced jointly by the European Commission and the International Labour Organisation, shows that European countries with coordinated bargaining systems have managed to prevent the growth of inequalities on the labour market. At the same time the erosion of collective bargaining in other EU member states has led to more low-paid jobs or increasing inequality among the workforce. The report also looks at a range of other inequalities such as in working time, training etc.
EPSU reiterates criticisms of TISA as failing Europe’s workers citizens and consumers
Speaking at the European Parliament TiSA intergroup meeting, Penny Clarke of EPSU said: ‘It has been a year since the European Parliament adopted a resolution which laid down a number of ‘red lines’ for TiSA, now might be a good time to reflect on what we have learnt over the past 12 months.
EPSU update on trade March 2017
The focus of the update: The EP plenary vote on CETA (15 February 2017) and next steps - EC consultation on a Multilateral Investment Court (MIC). - The recent stalling of TiSA negotiations. - EU development policy and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Manufacturing deal sets pace for rest of economy
(February 2017) Negotiators in the private manufacturing sector signed a new three-year deal last month. This is seen as a key agreement setting the pace for negotiations in other sectors. In the public services, the FOA union noted in particular the proposals for new funding and rights for workers for training as well as improved parental leave. FOA also underlines the flat-rate, two-crown (EUR 0.3) increase in the minimum hourly pay rates in each of the three years of the agreement. Which will take the minimum to DKK 117.65 (EUR 16.1) by 2019.
The Green 10 today urged MEPs voting on CETA in Strasbourg to reject the flawed EU-Canadian trade deal in an open letter
The coalition of trade unions and civil society grounds wrote: At noon today you will be voting on the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement between the EU and Canada (CETA)
Water movement calls on European Parliament not to ratify CETA
In an open letter sent to all MEPs in the run-up to the vote on CETA on 15 February, the European Water Movement, Council of Canadians, Blue Planet Project, Food & Water Europe and Wasser in Burgerhand call on the European Parliament to vote against
Leaked documents show TISA is in deep trouble
According to newly leaked documents, the Trade in Services Agreement (TISA) is in severe trouble. The papers show that despite attempts to delete controversial proposals from the draft text, very little has been achieved in almost any of the service areas.