EU Employment Ministers today agreed a ‘general approach’ on the Regulation establishing a European Labour Authority (ELA).
This now means the final regulation to set up the Authority will be negotiated in trialogue discussions between national government officials, MEPs and the European Commission.
Trade unions this week succeeded in getting Just Transition accepted as an integral part of the UN framework of climate action.
At the opening of COP24 in Katowice the Polish Presidency presented its ‘Solidarity and Just Transition Silesia Declaration’ with the full support of the European Union.
The declaration
Our democracies are under attack. The rise of hate, divisive, and socially and environmentally destructive political forces– including in many EU countries – are putting our democracies at risk.
ETUC position on the proposal of Pan European Personal Pensions (PEPP)
Adopted at the Executive Committee of 23-24 October 2018
Key messages
1. The regulation of a Pan-European Personal Pension product, currently under the Trialogue process, should acknowledge the high social relevance of pension savings. Despite its nature within the financial market dimension, PEPPs should remain restricted to the market of private products, freely but with high safety guarantees available to individuals.
Joint ETUC-ETUCE Reflection to Proposal on the Erasmus Programme 2021-27: October, 2018
Background
On 30 May 2018, the European Commission published its Proposal for establishing 'Erasmus': the Union programme for education, training, youth and sport and repealing Regulation (EU) No 1288/2013.
A new free online course which aims to explain the complex world of standards in clear and simple terms has been launched. It is designed to be used by everyone, regardless of their level of knowledge or their background.
The European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) is aware of pressure from the European Commission on Switzerland to use the current negotiations on a new framework agreement with the EU as an attempt to dismantle “accompanying measures”, introduced to protect posted workers and Swiss workers from social dumping and undercutting of wages.
ETUC – CLC joint statement on the Sustainable Development Chapter in CETA
Trade unions in the EU and Canada are united in our call for progressive trade deals that promote decent jobs, protect and enhance labour rights, protect public services and lead to fair distribution of wealth. We worked together throughout the negotiations on CETA to call for the deal to respect these objectives.
Letter sent to Saulius Skvernelis, Prime Minister of the Republic of Lithuania
Subject: Lithuania needs a significant increase of the minimum monthly wage
The European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) supports the position of the Lithuanian Trade Union Confederation (LTUC/LPSK), which is its affiliate, and favours its aim to raise the minimum monthly wage in Lithuania by 50 instead of 20 euros.
Considering that the 20th EU-Ukraine Summit is held in Brussels on the 9th of July 2018, and that the meeting of the Council of the EU-Ukraine Association is planned in December, the European and Ukrainian trade unions believe that urgent measures should be taken, with the support of the European Commission, to improve the social and economic situation in the country, and to increase the effectiveness of social dialogue and adherence to the fundamental ILO Conventions.
ETUC position on the EU Commission Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on the protection of persons reporting on breaches of Union law – Whistleblowing
Adopted at the executive committee meeting of 25-26 June Sofia
Introduction
The negotiations of the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) were finalised in December last year. The signature of the EPA is foreseen on 11 July 2018. Separate negotiations on investment protection continue in parallel.
The European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) and the Japanese Trade Union Confederation (JTUC-RENGO) recognize the importance of creating frameworks for economic cooperation between EU and Japan, which are major mutual trading partners, in guiding both economies onto a stable and sustainable growth trajectory, and establishing sustainable employment.
Letter sent to Ms Federica Mogherini, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and to Ms Marianne Thyssen, Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs, Skills and Labour Mobility
Dear High Representative Mogherini, dear Commissioner Thyssen,
ETUC POSITION ON THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION PROPOSAL FOR THE EU BUDGET 2021-2027
Adopted at the Executive Committee Meeting of 25-26 June 2018
INTRODUCTION
On 2nd May 2018, the European Commission issued a Communication on its proposals for the Multiannual Financial Framework 2021-2027 followed by the publication of the proposed Regulations on 29 - 31 May and 1stJune 2018[1]
Brussels, 28 June 2018
ETUC position paper
The new company law package 2018: A missed opportunity for more democracy at work
Adopted at the Executive Committee on 25-26 June 2018
ETUC statement on the European refugees and asylum seekers emergency, and on integration of migrants in European labour markets and society
The Executive Committee adopted this statement.
25 June 2018
Consultation on ACP-EU Partnership Agreement
European Commission Directorate-General for International Cooperation and Development Post-Cotonou Task Force
Trade Union Movement Contribution
On the occasion of International Refugees Day, the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) expresses its solidarity with the millions of refugees who have fled their countries because of war, undemocratic regimes, extreme poverty and critical economic and environmental conditions and to find shelter in another country. ETUC calls on EU Member states to take their responsibility and agree at the European Council on 28-29 June to create a credible and fair asylum policy that meets its humanitarian and international obligations.
To the EPSCO Council Ministers
Make the European Pillar of Social Rights real – Adopt a meaningful general approach for the Work-Life Balance and Transparent and Predictable Working Conditions Directives
Dear Minister,
I am writing to you in view of the discussions taking place in EPSCO on 21st June, on the Commission’s proposals for two Directives aimed at achieving the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights, recently proclaimed by all Member States.
OPEN LETTER
It’s in your hands – the fate of working parents and carers across Europe depends on you
Time for the EPSCO Council to adopt a position on the EU Work-Life Balance directive
Brussels, 18 June 2018
Dear Ministers,
The working people of the United States and Europe have been harmed by unfair trade practices, including China’s deliberate overproduction of steel and aluminum, intellectual property theft, forced transfer of production, and violation of basic labor rights.
At the ETUC, we respect everyone’s right to privacy, and want to keep your personal data private. This page sets out what you can expect from the ETUC in how we collect and process any data about you.
We do not share your data
Any personal data you provide to us is controlled by the ETUC, we do not share your data with any third parties, except to comply with certain legal obligations.
In an open letter on the recently presented proposal for a directive on the company law package, to Commissioner Marianne Thyssen, the ETUC is asking for the safeguarding of workers' rights on information, consultation and participation. "The Commission has to deliver for companies and workers alike," says Peter Scherrer, ETUC Deputy General Secretary.
Re: Company law package
Dear Commissioner Thyssen,
ETUC Position: Proposal for a Council Recommendation on access to social protection for workers and the self-employed
Adopted at the Executive Committee Meeting of 12 April 2018
