Victory within minutes! This news comes from a country which is more linked to the killing of union activists: Pakistan. Our partner in Pakistan, Labour Education Foundation, reports on a successful textile workers strike (read more). Such a victory should also inspire other workers as it shows that even during a deep crisis, it pays to unionise, to struggle and to stand up for rights!

Facing the crisis in Europe means that progressive parties, civil society and unions will need more patience to achieve a change of paradigm which is beyond GDP and which ensures the wellbeing of citizens. In the last 6 months we have achieved progress in giving the European Union a more social and inclusive dimension with the Europe 2020 strategy. The question now will be whether this progress will not be sacrified by blind austerity measures and programmes applied in the member states.

The Commission proposal for a directive for establishing common entry and residence conditions for third-country seasonal workers is welcome when it helps to keep the social level high, to prevent from exploitation and to protect health and safety at work (listen to RFI interview on the topic). That’s one side. Dismanteling social and health protection as proposed by the Stoiber High Level Group and denounced by the European Federation of Building and Woodworkers is the other side of the coin.

For some of us it is time for a summer break. We are aware that this is a privilege and this awareness is not just because it is the European Year against poverty, Eurostat figures show that in 2008 over 30% of EU citizens could not afford to pay for one week annual holiday away from home. The agenda will again be very intensive for the second half of this year.

We see the progress and the fruit of our work and look forward to continuing to face the social challenges in Europe and worldwide with our members, our partners from the progressive political parties, the unions and civil society as well as our allies in the European Parliament and the European institutions.

The weekly round up is also going on holiday and will be back with you at the beginning of September.

News

Victory within minutes?