Putting people and social rights first with trade unions
On 4-6 March I attended a training session with 16 national representatives of trade unions from different part of Europe, all of whom were members of the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC). The theme of the seminar was “which trade unions for which Europe?” I will not answer that question as I am not a member of the ETUC myself, but when I came home to Social Platform I could not help but think about all the similarities we share.
Firstly, we all fight for social rights. We share the same concerns that attacks on social rights are created by different EU policies such as economic governance, trade or the internal market. It is always strengthening to witness the level of dedication of these men and women to the cause.
Secondly, we share concerns for the people we are working for. The focus of the national representatives at the ETUC training session was their constituencies; the well-being of workers, not only within the boundaries of the companies they work for, but also outside of them. They act to ensure that energy prices are affordable, for access to quality services, education and training, and for respect of their fundamental rights.
I participated knowing that we share common goals while understanding that we lead our struggles in different battlefields – social dialogue with employers for the trade unions, while we fight for a civil dialogue with decision-makers. These responsibilities must be respected, but I am glad that we can join together in networks such as the Spring Alliance to reach our shared objectives. Thank you to the ETUC for your invitation – it was a great experience!
