Declaration for gravure and web offset
This 2nd UNI europa graphical gravure and web offset conference meeting in Verona 16-20 March 2009 notes with alarm the dramatic economic, financial and social crisis that is currently engulfing the European and global economy as a whole and seriously damaging the graphical sector which has already been suffering with overcapacity.
Conference is outraged by the massive number of job losses that are currently occurring in the graphical sector and is convinced that the only way to deal with the crisis is for governments to stimulate the economy and boost demand.
The maintenance of employment and increase of workers wages is essential if this is to take place but conference notes the serious problems being faced during collective bargaining discussions in a number of European countries and condemns the stance taken by some employers in refusing to award pay increases. This only serves to depress demand further thereby worsening the current crisis and reducing workers living standard.
To this end the conference utterly condemns employers who are attempting to profit from the situation by worsening wages and conditions and destroying jobs which aggravates the general situation.
However, it is crucial to understand that if workers agree to accept reductions in terms and conditions this will inevitably have spill-over effects on colleagues in other web offset and gravure companies and must be resisted. Therefore, solidarity between employees within the graphical industry is vital in times of crisis.
UNI europa graphical calls for a constructive social dialogue and for the action of the European Institutions to create sustainable solutions for the market situation in the graphical sector and for the social perspective of workers.
UNI europa graphical will stand shoulder to shoulder with all its affiliates who are engaged in struggles during these difficult times. We will work to maximise the solidarity between our member organisations and will furthermore, use all our efforts to help protect and enhance the wages and working conditions of our members.
Conference reaffirms the Liverpool Declaration and recognises the commitment given to it from the additional countries and unions present in Verona. It is agreed this Liverpool Declaration now applies to workers both in gravure and web offset industries.