"More Equitable Europe for Workers"
21 May 2019
The 14th congress of the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) was held in Vienna, the capital of Austria on May 21-24.
600 delegates representing 90 national trade union
centers from 38 European countries attended the congress. The event was
attended by Federal President of the Republic of Austria Alexander van der
Ballen, Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa, President of the European
Commission Jean Claude Juncker, General Director of the International Labor
Organization Kay Rayder, Nobel Prize Laureate in Economics Joseph Stiglitz and
other distinguished guests. The main motto of this congress was "More
Equitable Europe for Workers".
The President of the European Trade Union Confederation
Mr.Rudy De Leu said that our organization successfully represents its employees
in Europe. Conducts social dialogue with the European Commission and the
European Industrialists' and Employers Confederation.
He spoke about the problems facing trade union
organizations in Europe today and challenges ahead. He noted that currently
more than 25 million people in Europe do not work in favorable conditions and
do not receive decent wages. Our main goal is to build social Europe.
Then the Federal President of the Republic of Austria
Alexander Van der Ballen spoke about the recent political crisis in the country.
Speaking about the importance of trade unions' role in society: "Trade
unions are fighting for peace, democracy and human rights in every country. I
understand the role and place of the trade union in society. I remember with
pleasure the 60s of the last century when I was chairman of the university
trade union organization. "
Speaking about the elections to the European Parliament
on May 26, the President called on trade unions to be active in these
elections.
He noted that, there is a tense struggle between political forces today. The elections to the European Parliament will determine the future of the continent. The results of the elections will affect not only trade unions, but also all segments of society. Today, the main issues that concern the European citizen are decent wages, protection of labor rights, improvement of health insurance and pension issues. At the end of his speech, the President called on trade unions to cooperate for the future of Europe. Secretary General of the European Trade Union Confederation, Luka Visentini, said today that the European social model and democracy in Europe are facing risks. Because the concept of social responsibility is disappearing. Governments should only "protect" rather than "at least". She said that trade unions need a new collective agreement. The secretary general spoke about the bankruptcy of the right-wing party in Europe in recent days and their imprudent policy. He noted that trade unions should be careful in the next parliamentary elections and support the left-wing parties struggling for social justice. All democratic parties should strive to create a more equitable and social Europe. I am confident that with your involvement in discussions, speeches, involvement of representatives, member organizations and guests, we will create a strong and unified ETUC that will solve the great challenges of working people in Europe in the future. President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker spoke about social partnership in Europe and the role of trade unions in this process. He said that by creating new jobs, the European economy will grow stronger.
Director-General of the International Labor Organization,
Kay Rayder, in turn, recalled the commitments of the governments to strengthen
social dialogue, the application of international labor rights and conventions.
After
the speech of other prominent guests at the congress, the activity report of
the organization was discussed and discussed.
Action
plan for the next period was approved and elections were held. Luka Visentini
was again elected Secretary General of the European Trade Union Confederation
(ETUC).
The
trade unions of Azerbaijan were represented by Agil Dadashov, deputy chairman
of AHIK, Fuad Mammadov, chairman of Trade Union Committee of the Ministry of
Agriculture. On the eve of the congress, meetings were held with the European
Union of National Trade Unions, and opportunities for cooperation were
discussed.
