A major day of action organised by the European trade union movement will be held on 29 September. Delegations coming from about 50 trade unions and representing 30 countries will march in the streets of Brussels to protest against austerity measures. Employees cannot be the only ones to pay for the irresponsible speculation of certain financial institutions.
In parallel with the Euro-demonstration in Brussels, a general strike will be held in Spain and protest movements are planned in Portugal, Italy, Latvia, Poland, Cyprus, Romania, Czech Republic, Lithuania, Serbia, France and Ireland. The effort of the trade union organisations is focused on the Euro-demonstration in Brussels, which will include a strong presence of Belgian trade unions, but also delegations from France, Germany, Luxembourg, Austria, Finland, Greece, Hungary, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Romania, the United Kingdom, Norway, etc. The European industry federations will also participate in the Euro-demonstration.
ETUC General Secretary John Monks commented: "On 29 September, we will demonstrate to voice our concern over the economic and social context, which will be compounded by austerity measures. We are particularly alarmed over unemployment and rising inequalities. To cope with increasing precariousness, priority must be given to quality jobs. This is the message that we intend to transmit to European Commission President Mr Barroso and the current President of the EU Council Mr Leterme, whom we will meet after the demonstration."
Call to demonstrate: http://www.etuc.org/IMG/pdf_Tracte_A4_EN_DEF4.pdf
Link to the page dedicated to the European Day of Action: http://www.etuc.org/a/7407
Information for the press: http://www.etuc.org/IMG/pdf/INFORMATION__LA_PRESSE_EN.pdf
To get an overview of the actions run at national level in the framework of the European Action Day: http://www.etuc.org/r/1594