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The movement, which is support by UNI US affiliates, is a call for justice in the American economic and political system, including greater financial regulation, higher taxes for the richest Americans and the return of the social safety net.



Members of the Occupy Wall Street movement have linked their fight to the revolutions in Tunisia and Egypt and to the massive protests against cuts to public spending and increase in taxes in Greece.



“We can clearly see the revolutionary spirit flowing around the world from North Africa and the Middle East to Spain, Greece and the US. It is now spreading to northern Europe, including the financial capital of London” said UNI General Secretary Philip Jennings. “Workers from every corner of the globe, whether they are young or old, man or woman, want a fair future where they can earn a decent living and support a family. Governments are failing to tackle the economic crisis and now people are taking to the streets demanding change. We expect to see these protests spread all over the world.”



The founders of the movement and many of its activists were young people who were unemployed and worried about their futures. In September they started a protest camp near Wall Street in New York City. In recent weeks, however, the movement has spread beyond its founders to gather supporters of all ages who are fed up with current US policies that have failed to solve the current economic crisis and are only hurting working people. The protests have also moved beyond New York City with hundreds of events taking place in cities and towns across the US.



UNI is supporting Occupy Wall Street and the strikes and protests everywhere that are fighting for economic justice and a jobs-based solution to the global economic crisis. European trade union leaders made the same demands at the UNI Europa Conference this week in Toulouse, France, where they said they want “Union, Vision, [and] Action” to rebuild a social Europe.



Jennings said that UNI’s “Breaking Through” plan to build worker power globally will support protesters on Wall Street and on every Main Street in every corner of the globe.



“We are fighting to change the rules of the game in the global economy,” Jennings said. “It’s time to create an economy that works for everyone. The solution to the economic crisis is to rebuild it from the bottom up. Quality jobs, union rights, social protection and better financial regulation are the key ingredients for a lasting solution.”