14 November 2012: European Day of Action and Solidarity

The European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) is calling for a European Day of Action and Solidarity for employment and against austerity on 14 November.

For years now, Europe’s trade unions have been speaking out against austerity measures. These measures dragging Europe into economic stagnation, indeed recession with the result that growth has stopped and unemployment is rising inexorably. Cuts to salaries and social protection are attacking the European social model, worsening imbalances and fostering injustice.

The ETUC is calling for a change of direction. Words are no longer enough, we need action to deliver sustainable growth and quality jobs. This is a social emergency.

The Action Day on 14 November will include several types of actions: strikes, demonstrations, rallies as well as being designed to raise awareness.

Click here for a google map of the national actions to be held as part of the Day of Action.This list is not exhaustive, and will be regularly updated, because some actions are still under preparation.

A rally in front of the headquarters of the European Commission (Berlaymont – Schuman district) is planned from 12h00 to 13h00.

A press point is planned. Interviews can be conducted with the Belgian trade union leaders: Anne Demelenne, secretary general of the FGTB / ABVV; Bernard Noël, national secretary of the CGSLB / ACLBB; Claude Rolin, secretary general of the CSC / ACV. The union leaders in the European Trade Union Confederation and the European trade union federations will also be in attendance.

The ETUC exists to speak with a single voice, on behalf of the common interests of workers, at European level. Founded in 1973, it now represents 85 trade union organisations in 36 European countries, plus 10 industry-based federations.