An Autumn of demos planned as social cost of austerity measures grows

03/09/2010

An autumn of social unrest in the European Union has been predicted. Amid growing evidence that the austerity measures imposed in the spring are having a negative impact on employment rates, a series of major demonstrations have been announced. On 29 September the European Trade Union confederation (ETUC) will stage a demo in Brussels. 80,000 workers are expected in the European capital. The action, which calls for an end to austerity and a renewed focus on job creation, will be accompanied by further rallies and events which will take place throughout the European Union.

PES General Secretary, Philip Cordery explained that the PES was ‘wholeheartedly supporting’ the ETUC action. He noted that; “just as the PES predicted, the Conservative obsession with austerity is backfiring. And as usual, the ones suffering the most are those at the bottom of the pile”. Mr. Cordery announced that the PES would provide a bloc of supporters for the ETUC led demo.

The PES General Secretary also condemned the actions of the European Commission regarding discussions on a Financial Transaction Tax (FTT). Reports suggest that the Commission is attempting to block attempts to agree a European approach on an FTT at the meeting of Finance Minister next Tuesday (7 September). The PES has seen a highly critical draft report on FTT from EU Tax Commissioner Semeta. There is growing anger among ordinary workers and citizens in the EU that while the cuts are hurting the disadvantaged more and more, news from the financial sector is dominated by reports of ever growing profits and bonuses. Said Mr. Cordery; “the unwillingness of the Commission to bridge this growing divide is becoming ever more illustrative of Mr. Barroso’s (Commission President) true position on financial reform”.

For further information please contact Brian Synnott on +32 474 98 96 75 (brian.synnott@pes.org)