News

Following the re-election of José Manuel Barroso as head of the European Commission, the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) seeks a clear commitment and guarantees on social issues from the new President. In a period of social insecurity that is expected to continue at least until 2010, social guarantees are more necessary than ever.



In his speech on 15 September before the European Parliament, Mr Barroso said he wanted to do more in the social sphere and expressed his commitment to fundamental rights. The new Commission President declared that he wished to initiate new rules on the implementation of the Posted Workers Directive or even a revision if necessary.

As follow-up to these declarations, the ETUC calls for a clear and real commitment on social Europe, in particular on the revision of the Posted Workers Directive and wish to see a social progress clause annexed to the next treaty to guarantee the fundamental rights of European citizens and equal treatment.

In spite of certain indicators of economic recovery, the economic and social crisis is far from over. Unemployment figures in the EU are expected to rise to 12% of the workforce by the end of 2010. Ceaseless efforts will be needed to cope with surging unemployment and its social consequences.

The ETUC reminds the new Commission President of the demands set out in the Paris Declaration, adopted by European trade union leaders last June. The European trade unions ask the Commission to guarantee:

More and better jobs through investments in a vast European recovery plan,

Stronger social protection systems to ensure greater security and prevent social exclusion,

Better salaries through the strengthening of collective bargaining,

European solidarity to counteract the abuses of finance capitalism.