The PERC General Secretary Esther Lynch introduced the core challenges for union movement of the continent, threats to trade union rights and democracy in Europe, as European social model is under attack by the new cycle of austerities. She urged trade union renewal and action.
Attacks against democracy often start with attacks against trade unions and workers and trade union rights, in particular the right to strike and the right to organize. Laws are drafted to restrict trade union actions, trade union activists face prosecutions, while far right forces are coming to power in many countries. The Executive Committee adopted statement for social dialogue and democracy at work as the key pillar of European democracy.
The implementation of the ILO Resolution on Belarus is the key case for the international labour standards in the region. The PERC reinforces support to BDKP and its leaders in exile, calls for immediate release of imprisoned unionists and withdrawal of all charges and restrictions against prosecuted activists, taking them from any lists of extremists and terrorists. All ILO member states must intensify their efforts to get freedom of association respected by Belarus and take practical steps to convince Belarus to fully implement the ILO rulings.
Ukrainian affiliates presented dire situation in the country where enterprises, energy and social infrastructure are targets of attacks by Russian army. The war is ravaging the country, with environment risks for decades to come, with millions of jobs losses and enormous efforts for reconstruction. The PERC is committed to democratic development and support Ukrainian unions in their mobilization against aggression, for freedoms and European future, for just peace and reconstruction.
Andrea Rossi, Deputy Head of EEAS Central Asia division, presented the EU policies and engagements in Central Asia – both in regional context, but also bilateral, with intensified cooperation and dialogue, including on issues of workers’ rights and democratic freedoms. Decent work deficits are omnipresent in the region and the European Union supports ILO processes – within the supervisory mechanisms and through technical assistance programmes – to close them.
Preparations for the key discussions of the International Labour Organisation were discussed with the workers group members from the region, particularly, on standard-setting for platform work. The Executive Committee adopted the respective statement to support the ITUC work and to outline demands of the European region to the process and the future standard.
Global trade union agendas – in framework of the preparations for the COP29 in Baku and World Social Summit – were introduced by the ITUC policy officers. The Executive Committee also discussed preparations for the ITUC General Council meeting, adopted annual reports by the PERC Secretariat, Women and Youth Committees, financial reports and statements and preliminary working plans for the next year.
