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UNI Europa Finance Conference - Finance for the Future - Making Finance Work for People - Athens, Greece – 24-25 October 2013

Following an event widely regarded as particularly effective, energizing and interactive, the UNI Europa Finance Conference has issued three statements

A Statement was issued by UNI Europa Finance, and endorsed by the participants.

It puts forward a strong position:

• on the right kind of regulation: with the participation of banks, unions and goverments for a growing, diverse and supportive finance sector.
• a sustainable financial sector: with a commitment to fiinancial products and services that should serve the economy leaving behind the short-term profit culture.
• proper financial advice: good and accessible advice and products for consumers, sufficient time, training as well as fair remuneration and incentives for employees
• and better finance jobs: finance jobs free of fear and pressure in a healthy work environment.

Additionally, two Statements in favour of Greece and Italy were issued:

• one in support of union struggle in Greece against measures that are hurting workers and citizens and in favour of sustainble investments in the finance sector. UNI Europa and its affiliates fully supports the November 6 general strike of Greece's main union federations against mass sackings in both the private and the public sector.

• and the other in support of Italian bank workers and unions, as the employers' federation ABI unilaterally denounced the national Collective Agreement.  A strike was held on October 31st and there will be more rallies as the employers's federation has not changed its course.

The Conference concentrated how to make finance work for people. The main themes were regulation, sales & advice, and the building of a sustainable finance sector for its opening day. It then proceeded with issues around  European work councils (EWCs), social dialogue and  organizing in Europe in the banking, insurance and central bank sectors. All sessions were followed by active participation of affiliates and debates.

The general Statement of the Conference and the ones in favour of Greece and Italy can be found here.