Austerity, economic governance reforms and social policies: EPSU will be discussing the way forward out of the crisis

(17 February 2011) Next week EPSU is organising with the European Trade Union Institute (ETUI) an important conference to debate about the austerity measures, the European economic governance and what social policies the unions are proposing. We expect more than 100 trade union members and other civil society organizations and we would like to link this event with the on going campaign for a Financial Transaction Tax now.

This year 2011 has brought about dramatic changes as a result of popular resistance. We have seen the toppling down of two dictatorships in Tunisia and Egypt. And popular uprising might still be on the agenda of other countries in the region. On this side of the sea we have seen protests against the image that the Italian Government is giving to women – with EPSU vice President Rosa Pavanelli being actively involved. A big demonstration in the Netherlands against austerity measures will take place on 17 February in the Hague. We have witnessed a major mobilisation of doctors in the Czech Republic supported by our affiliate in the Health Service and Social Care for better pay and working conditions. Finally, we have sent a joint ETUC – EPSU protest letter to the Turkish government to express our concern about the disproportionate police intervention to prevent a peaceful demonstration against planned public service reforms. These reforms are against the interest of working people and their trade unions, creating precarious work.

Also, we want to send a message of solidarity to José Manuel Marques who has been acquitted from all charges. In the previous Newsletter we had to report he had been arrested during the protests that were organised against the austerity plans in Portugal.

Finally, now the date and venue of the next European day of action organised by the European Trade Union Congress (ETUC) is known, it will take place in Budapest on April 9. EPSU will be mobilising all its affiliates to have another contingent in the European Demonstration as we have done in September and December.

Yours

Carola FIschbach-Pyttel