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UNI Europa and the European Trade Union Congress say that its clear that misguided and often cynical austerity measures are dragging Europe into economic stagnation and even recession. The result is that growth has stalled and unemployment continues to rise. Wages and social protection cuts are attacks against the European social model and increase inequality and social injustice.



UNI Europa Regional Secretary, Oliver Roethig said, "With their fixation on austerity, European governments are driving Europe -- economy, society and countries -- against the wall, in the process rolling over workers and unions, and telling the citizens in the back seat that they are soon out off their misery."



Explaining the urgency of today’s Day of Action and Solidarity the ETUC said, “The International Monetary Fund (IMF)’s «miscalculations» have had an unbearable impact on the daily life of European workers and citizens. It brings into question the whole basis of austerity policy. The IMF must apologize. The Troika must revise its demands.Europe has a social debt, not just a monetary debt. The promised recovery has not happened. Twenty-five million Europeans are out of jobs. In some countries, the unemployment rate for young people is over 50 per cent. The sense of injustice is widespread and social discontent is growing.”



“We want action for sustainable growth and jobs. Not just words. The social situation is urgent. There has to be a change of course for a European Social Compact..European trade unions demand a change of course. The remedies being applied are not working. They are destroying our jobs and our social heritage. The ETUC seeks a Social Compact for Europe with real social dialogue, an economic policy that fosters quality jobs, economic solidarity between countries and social justice. Workers are paying a steep price for the crisis and austerity measures, while the world of finance and speculators continue to prosper. Let’s stop tax fraud and put an end to tax havens and tax competition between countries. The financial transaction tax has to help repair the damage of casino capitalism.”



UNI Europa affiliates in many European countries are taking part in the protetsts and pledging their support to the Day of Action.











For more details see European Trade Unions Confederation • www.etuc.org • #14Nov2012