News

80 per cent of voters believe their governments are failing to tackle unemployment according to a new international poll released today ahead of a G20 Labour and Finance Ministers meeting in Moscow.





The survey, carried out by the L20 group of labour leaders across thirteen countries, also found that 87 per cent of voters believe their government prioitises business interests over working families.



Rising unemployment levels, particularly amongst the youth, is a key issue to be addressed at the meeting this week.



UNI Global Union Secretary General Philip Jennings said:



“The people have spoken and enough is enough. Whilst our governments are busy bailing out banks and implementing misguided ultra austerity measures, worldwide unemployment is set to rise above 200 million.



“When are world leaders going to wake up and realise that jobs not cuts are our best weapons in fighting the financial crisis? We cannot and do not accept a lost generation of young people out of work.



“G20 Finance and Labour Ministers must put in place a jobs plan that steadily reduces the number of people out of work globally, and we want to see this in Moscow."



Sharon Burrow, Secretary General of ITUC said:



“A jobs plan, with decent work and turning words into action, would be a major step forward for G20 Labour Ministers to deliver on their promises.



"Jobs, collective bargaining, a minimum wage on which people can live, social protection and essential services are the core elements of reducing inequality and unemployment."