1st May: Let’s continue working for justice for workers
Thursday 28 April 2016
The state of the EU is causing great concern to industriAll Europe ahead of its 2nd Congress, due to be held in Madrid in June 2016. Political extremism is on the rise and is challenging the European project that has over decades guaranteed peace and prosperity for the continent. The attacks are taking place against the backdrop of sluggish recovery from the worst economic crisis Europe has witnessed in over half a century. It is therefore high time that policy makers wake up to the long-standing demands of the trade union movement to invest in infrastructure, innovation, sustainable jobs and skills, and to accelerate a just transition that capitalises on the challenges offered by digitalisation and sustainable development.
Instead of losing ourselves in internal debate and national egoism that could even lead to the disintegration of the EU, we need to stand up for what has been the foundation of Europe’s success. Unions have always fought for and will keep on fighting for a Europe of sustainable growth, with more and secure jobs and quality employment, a Europe which strives to offer good living conditions to its citizens in every Member State, a Europe that stands for the fair distribution of income and assets, and a Europe that respects labour and human rights and offers shelter to people fleeing war.
Happy Labour Day!
Article written by Walter Van den Bossche
