Web view13TH Statutory Congress of the ETUC. Paris, September 29 – October 2, 2015. Stand up in . solidarity for quality jobs, workers’ rights and. a. fair

EUROCOPRoger Mercatoris, 2nd Vice President_____________________________________________________________________________________________

13 TH Statutory Congress of the ETUC

Paris, September 29 – October 2, 2015

Stand up in solidarity for quality jobs, workers’ rights anda fair society in Europe

Day 1 – Tuesday, September 29, 2015

1. Welcoming address by Jean-Claude Mailly, General Secretary of the Force Ouvri è re labor union Another Europe is possible.

2. Speech by Anne Hidalgo, Mayor of ParisEmployment law and social dialogue make it possible to regulate competition between companies in respect for human beings and workers.We need a fairer Europe, a more Social Europe in the context of social dialogue.

3. Speech by Jean-Claude Juncker, President of the European CommissionThe state of our European Union is not good considering all the current problems: economic crisis, return of nationalisms, Middle East crisis, etc. We are currently the “Last Chance Commission” because citizens have become distanced from Europe and vice versa. It is absolutely necessary to bridge these gaps as quickly as possible. We are focusing too much on the little things and not enough on what’s essential.Changes need to be made in the Stability Pact and the Free Exchange Treaty.

We need to round out the social dimension of Europe. The Economic and Monetary Union must be deeper. It is absolutely necessary to revive social dialogue in Europe. Social dialogue and European construction go together.We have to plead in favor of the “Open-ended Contract” with a view toward eliminating the uncertainties associated with lack of job security.Welcome to refugees who see Europe as a place where life is good despite Europe’s long and difficult history.

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Refugees are not going to the USA, to China, to Russia or elsewhere; they are coming to Europe. This is a clear sign of the positive development of Europe.

4. Speech by Martin Schulz, President of the European ParliamentThe figures in Europe are appalling: 5,000,000 youths are jobless; 23,000,000 people are unemployed; a large number of people live below the poverty line; the gap between the social classes is growing bigger and bigger. Our parents used to tell us in the past that we needed to spare no effort to have a better life. Today, unfortunately and despite all the efforts that people are making, it is no longer possible to function like that, because the insecurity associated with the lack of employment is becoming more and more glaring and alarming.This is a powder keg that threatens the very foundation of our democracy. We have to restore meaning and a sense of reality to the effort that each of us must make to have a better life and human dignity.The development of digitization is necessary, but there is reason to be very critical of this development, particularly with regard to respect for privacy at every level. In the future, and based on how we manager this development, digitization will be a driver for creating, but perhaps also for destroying, jobs.Do we want to take the risk of living in a society where fortunes are in the hands of only a very small number of people?Things have to change… If you want to change Politics, you have to change the political forces involved.

5. Speech by Fran ç ois Hollande, President of the French Republic Europe missed the boat concerning the refugee problem. We did not appropriately gauge the drama that played out and that is still playing out in the refugee crisis. Retreating into national self-interests as some recommend is not a solution to this crisis.The desire for freedom and democracy is a struggle.It is time to change our rules to maintain the European spirit because unemployment and extremism are also dangers.There are a number of avenues that require development: training plans; mobility plans; fight against social dumping, against abusive temporary postings; the jobs of tomorrow must be prepared through digital technology and the new technologies; we have to make economic governance and social dialogue important, certainly in anticipation of the results of the future Paris Climate Conference in December 2015.The Trade Unions and the ETUC in particular are also preferred partners in the construction of Europe, in a constant concern for solidarity.

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6. Ratification of affiliations and observer statusAdopted unanimously

7. Amendments to the ETUC constitution The amendments primarily concern the Youth Committee. Different speeches for or against these amendments were given. There were 11 amendments that needed to be voted on in 4 blocks, with a 2/3rds majority: amendment No. 3 (rejected); amendment Nos. 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6 (adopted); amendment Nos. 7 and 10 (adopted); amendment No. 11 (adopted).

8. Report on the composition of the CongressAdopted unanimously

9. Activity report presented by the General Secretary of the ETUC followed by discussion and voting.Competitiveness and in the name of competitiveness, we are heading straight into a jungle where there will be many victims among workers in terms of declining wages, job insecurity, the elimination of social dialogue, inequality, poverty, weakening of the public authorities, etc.It is necessary to draft an emergency resolution to counter this “dominant ideology.” The ETUC has intervened at various levels of power, in collaboration with the national trade unions, to protect our hard-won rights. The ETUC is, and must be, part of the solution.The union organizations must absolutely take advantage of the improved means of communication set in place by the ETUC.The conclusions of the debate can be expressed as follows: How can we do more? However, it is not enough just to talk to the European Institutions; the national governments also have to implement the directives enacted.

10. PanelQuality jobs for youth: beyond the youth guarantee?

Participants: Nicolas Schmit, Luxembourg Minister of Labor, Employment and the Social and Solidarity Economy, representing the presidency of the EU Council; Gada Neverauskait, President of the Youth Committee of the PERC; Suzanna Camusso, General Secretary of the CGIL

Moderator: Fabien Cazenave, Community Manager, Euranet plusThe emphasis and the various investments must be focused on the effective training of youths, in view of allowing them to find a quality job.We need to stop the contradictory speeches of politicians who say one thing but the implementation is often very different.If we continue to offer youth insecure jobs, we are going to strengthen the poverty system in which

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many people find themselves more and more frequently.

11. Interview with Marianne Thyssen, European Commission for employment, social affairs, skills and labour mobility, conducted by Fabien Casenave, Community Manager, Euranet plus.

It is necessary to get a decent job through adequate training, favorable working conditions, an appropriate balance with social and family life, and a decent minimum wage.

Day 2 – Wednesday, September 30, 2015

12. Women’s participation in the CongressAdoption of the resolution concerning the representation of women on the ETUC bodies.The unequal treatment of men and women in society at every level is still a glaring reality.Several speeches were given on this topic. In the end, the resolution was adopted by a vast majority.

13. Emergency resolution on the refugee crisis in Europe.See the appended document.- Presentation and account by Aida Hadzialic, Swedish Minister for upper secondary school, adult education and training.She gave an account of her life in Croatia during the Balkan War and of all the losses and suffering she endured before becoming part of Swedish society where she became a Minister.- Testimony by Oumar Diakhaby, an activist from the Committee for undocumented workers of the Brussels CSC.He testified about his experience as an undocumented illegal who, with the support of various people, was able to study at the University in Brussels. After 11 years of fighting, he succeeded in legalizing his situation, in finding a civil engineering job and in becoming politically involved.- Several talks by various speakers.- Vote: The motion was adopted by a vast majority.

14. Pillar I: A strong economy for all working people- Jözef Niemiec, Deputy General Secretary, presented the Introduction and Pillar I of the ETUC 2015-2019 program and the corresponding sections of the Manifesto.This pillar includes in particular, sustainable development, fair taxation, job creation, growth, etc.

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We need to strengthen the dialogue with the social partners and put job quality at the center of the discussions about employment.

- A discussion ensued concerning Pillar I (and its amendments) and the corresponding sections of the Manifesto.

- Votes (a 2/3rds majority is necessary):A. Concerning the amendments: 6: rejected

19: rejected 36: adopted 50: rejected 75: rejected 97: rejected

B. Concerning Pillar I: adopted

15. Panel 2: Quality employment for allDiscussion with, among others, Reiner Hoffmann, President of DGB; Candido Mendez, General Secretary of UGT-E; Jarkko Eloranta, President of the General Council of SAK; Yannins Panagopoulos, President of GSEE; Piotr Duda, President of NSZZ Solidarność; Marie-Hélène Ska, General Secretary of CSC.

Each speaker explained his/her opinion on the subject and the situation existing in their respective countries where it is necessary to recognize the diversity of the existing problems based on the origin of the participants in the debate.Regarding quality jobs, we must admit that there is no common standard in the matter in Europe.It is necessary to make good resolutions and not simply wax indignant about the current inequalities.

16. Speech by Guy Ryder, Director General of the International Labor Organization (ILO)In 2003, the world and work were very different from what they are at present. Everything seemed to be moving toward a better future from every standpoint. But no could have predicted the financial calamity of 2008 and all its consequences.In this context, the reinforcement between the ETUC and the ILO is clearly what we need for better dialogue with the European decision-making bodies.The ETUC must assume the responsibilities that others are abandoning for a renewal of a new Europe.There could be a slogan: Renew the ILO for a better world.The ILO is the ETUC’s ally.

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17. Pillar II: Stronger unions for democratic values and democracy at work- Patrick Itschert, Deputy General Secretary, introduced Pillar II of the ETUC 2015-2019 program and the corresponding sections of the Manifesto.It is time to rediscover the virtues of social dialogue.The EU was, in the past, a driving force for social benefits; but at present, this driving force is seriously stalled. And that is becoming a real problem!We can no longer apply the same formulas as in the past.

- A discussion ensued concerning Pillar II and the corresponding sections of the Manifesto.

18. Interactive session on the European Work Committee and democracy at workBrief testimonies from the representatives from the United Kingdom, Italy, Sweden, France, Germany, the Netherlands and Spain.

It is clear from these testimonies that trust in democracy at work is deteriorating. And, workers need to be much more flexible; for more power for employers. That is becoming a real power struggle between the trade unions (workers’ representatives) and the employers.For example, it is not uncommon for a worker to be dismissed on Christmas Eve, by SMS only!!!Union coordination is also needed in this field.

19. Interactive session on social dialogue at all levels (short statements by Imre Palkovics, MOSZ President; Oliver R ö thig, ETUFS representative and Maurizio Petriccioli, CISL National Secretary)

If we are not able to revive social dialogue, it can be said that the European social model will be thrown out of balance.Employers are rather cautious about initiating social dialogue and provide no guidelines in this domain. The lack of decision on the part of the EU doesn’t help either.For several years, employers have been getting everything they want and are therefore not interested in social dialogue.

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Day 3 – Thursday, October 1, 2015

20. Interactive session on collective bargaining (brief statements from Ulrich Eckelmann, IndustriAll Europe General Secretary; Josef Stredula, CMKOS President and Marc Goblet, FGBT General Secretary)

We must lay the foundations of social dialogue at a supranational level.For social cooperation, each country must work with the others at the trade union level to provide mutual assistance faced with the social jungle that employers are attempting to impose on us.It is necessary to be very attentive to avoid competition between the workers of one country and the workers of another. In the future that risks ending any future social action and will inevitably leave the door open to employer deviations.It is necessary to introduce the principle of “same minimum wage everywhere, for everyone, in Europe.” This principle should lead to a reduction in competition between the countries. However, it would also be necessary to combine this principle with the same quality of living standard. Let’s put an end to low-wage work!

21. Mikhail Shmakov, PERC PresidentHe confirmed what had already been said repeatedly concerning all the policies and struggles that have been carried out and that need to be carried out to achieve a society where the basic rights of workers are protected.

22. Continuation of the discussion of Pillar II and the corresponding sections of the ManifestoVoting (a 2/3rds majority is necessary):

A. Concerning the amendments: 110: rejected 127: rejected 129: rejected

170: withdrawn by its authors due to the lack of coherence in the voting system

B. Concerning Pillar II: adoptedThere is great confusion in the voting system, which is less and less democratic.

23. Speech by the President of the workers’ group of the European Economic and Social Committee (CESE), Georges Dassis

It is sad to note that countries that benefited from European solidarity now refuse to grant their solidarity to other requests of the European trade union movement.At the European Commission level, we need to legislate better; however that does not mean that we should not legislate.

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24. President’s declaration concerning the election procedureIntroduction of the candidates for the positions of General Secretary, Deputy General Secretaries and Confederal SecretariesVoting on the candidates was held and the results will be reported on day 4

25. Pillar III: A core of ambitious social standardsVeronica Nilsson, Confederal Secretary, introduced Pillar II of the 2015-2019 ETUC program and the corresponding sections of the ManifestoWe must put an end to social dumping, to letter box companies, to the exploitation of workers, to poverty and to social inequality.We must improve working conditions, particularly with regard to health.We must fight against people who exploit xenophobia.

26. Panel 3: Fighting social dumpingDiscussion with Kjell Skjarvo, EFBWW representative; Sabine Trier, ETF Deputy General Secretary; Bart Vannetelbosch, EFFAT representative; Philippe Martinez, General Secretary of CGT; Lizette Risgaard, Vice President of LO-Denmark; Karl-Petter Thorwaldsson, President of LO-Sweden, Mladen Novosel, President of SSSH-UATUC (Croatia)

Social dumping is primarily present in the transportation of people and goods, construction and public works and in the agricultural work sector.Employers often use the temporary employment agency circuit via a permanent work system but without any employment guarantee, i.e., complete job insecurity. This system prevents any form of complaint on the part of the worker under penalty of not getting work assignments.A form of culture of intimidation (even making use of physical violence) of workers is widespread.In the transportation world, workers in the shipping industry who complain are often thrown overboard. Truck drivers must often sleep in their trucks for entire months and are made liable for the cargo that they transport. Significant difficulties have been reported in the aviation industry.Employers can, however, become allies in the fight against social dumping because they are going to lose a lot of market shares if they do not join this fight. Coordinated cooperation can solve many problems. More control within companies by the Police and/or the labor inspectors would also be necessary.Nevertheless, it is necessary to sanction employers who do not obey the employment rules and not the workers who are victims of the system.

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27. Discussion concerning Pillar III and the corresponding sections of the ManifestoSpeech with very limited speaking time by a certain number of delegates.

28. Speech by Sharan Burrow, General Secretary of the International Trade Union ConfederationIt is shocking to note that European countries are building walls and placing soldiers at their borders.This echoes the problems of refugees and trade union and environmental struggles of the past and future.

29. Emergency motionsA. Motion on the UK referendum

Adopted unanimouslyB. Solidarity with Greek workers Adopted unanimouslyC. Occupational health and risk prevention Adopted unanimouslyD. Basic rights in Spain Adopted unanimouslyE. Tisa (Agreement on commerce and services) Adopted unanimouslyF. Political impasse in Northern Ireland Adopted unanimouslyG. Solidarity with the Turkish and Kurdish journalists victims of repression and censorship Adopted unanimously

Day 4 – Friday, October 2, 2015

30. Continuation of the discussion of Pillar III and the corresponding sections of the ManifestoResponse to the criticisms of numerous delegates concerning the organization of the discussions and the little time given to the delegates; while the politicians who never keep their word and put the European trade union movement at risk have lots of time to speak.The few opportunities given to women to speak was also mentioned.Voting (a 2/3rds majority is necessary):

A. Concerning the amendments: 261: adopted 300: rejected 293: rejected

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B. Concerning Pillar III: adopted

31. Vote on the entire Action Plan, i.e., all of the 3 pillars Adopted

32. Election resultsBelow, following election, is the new Secretariat of the ETUC

Rudy De Leeuw Belgium President 95.6%

Luca Visentini Italy General Secretary 96.5%

95.6% Veronica Nilsson

Sweden Deputy General Secretary

96.4%

Peter Scherrer Germany Deputy General Secretary

87.3%

Liina Carr Estonia Confederal Secretary 91.4%

Esther Lynch Ireland Confederal Secretary 95.8%

Monserrat Mir Roca Spain Confederal Secretary 91.4%

Thiébaut Weber France Confederal Secretary 93.6%

5 Auditors were also elected by a majority ranging from 91.7% to 93.7%

33. Panel 4: The role of the ETUCIntroduction by the newly elected General Secretary and discussion with trade union leaders: Gail Cartmail; TUC Executive, Laurent Berger, General Secretary of CFDT; Patricia King, General Secretary of ICTU; Jens Kragh, Director of FTF; Erich Foglar, President of ÖGB; Plamen Dimitrov, President of CITUB; Salvatore Mara, President of the Youth Committee and Françoise Geng, Vice President of EPSU.

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We need more cooperation for the Euro Zone and to broaden our cooperation to all of the Organizations outside the Euro Zone.We must improve our cooperation with the ITUC.The ETUC must serve as platform for exchanges and it is necessary to support the member organizations to that end.The members must be more informed of the activities of the ETUC.The statutory bodies of the ETUC must be more effective.The ETUC must make better use of its network in favor of the members.Member training concerning European issues must also become a point of honor.We need to find new instruments for remobilizing workers; however, we also need to reuse the tools that we already have to raise worker awareness about the utility of joining a trade union organization.We must make better use of the ETUI.There were also other improvements proposed by the different speakers, but it was not possible to note everything.We must support the new executive committee and believe in our potential and in our power.

Vote on adopting the corresponding document as basis for an action plan Adopted unanimously

34. Presentation of the Paris Manifesto by the newly elected General SecretaryThis document can be consulted at the ETUC web site.Following a vote, this document was adopted.

35. The newly elected General Secretary addressed the Congress The outgoing General Secretary addressed the Congress The outgoing President adjourned the Congress.

36. Meeting of the Executive Committee to elect the new Steering Committee and Vice PresidentsThe list of members of the new elected Committee is available on request at the EuroCOP Secretariat.The list of Vice Presidents has not been finalized yet.

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Documents

Web view13TH Statutory Congress of the ETUC. Paris, September 29 – October 2, 2015. Stand up in . solidarity for quality jobs, workers’ rights and. a. fair