Category Archives: European Trade Unions

Employers attack workers’ rights at ILO

Trade unions expressed outrage at the actions of the employers’ group at the International Labour Organisation Conference for blocking any debate and discussion on some of the worst cases of worker rights violations at the meeting in Geneva on 4th … Continue reading

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The economic consequences for Germany of the crisis in the Eurozone

By Michael Burke Germany derives enormous benefits from the existence of the Euro. As Europe’s most productive major economy, it has a ‘home’ market where currency risks have been eliminated, along with the possibility of competitive devaluations. Its trade with the rest … Continue reading

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New poll reveals the consensus behind austerity is shattering

The Centre for Labour and Social Studies (Class) is a new think tank established Unite the Union, GMB and the Institute of Employment Rights to act as a centre for left debate and discussion. Originating in the labour movement, Class is … Continue reading

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Desperate Cameron to revive Beecroft attack on employment rights?

According to today’s papers David Cameron has revived Adrian Beecroft’s report proposing major attacks on UK employment rights in a desperate bid to revive the economy. The Telegraph says that Cameron will throw his weight behind Beecroft’s report which calls for … Continue reading

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Memo to EU leaders: If austerity fails, its austerity’s fault – not that of workers’ rights

Karl Marx said: “A spectre is haunting Europe.” That spectre today is austerity and it is ready to haunt the UK.Ahead of the European Union leaders summit on Wednesday called to discuss growth, unions, including the European TUC are saying – enough is enough. … Continue reading

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Three Speeds In Europe, All Slower

By Michael Burke The latest publication of the GDP data for the EU shows three distinct trends but one unifying theme – slower growth. In an important but dwindling group are those economies which are still expanding, led by Germany … Continue reading

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What do bond markets think of ‘austerity’?

By Michael Burke The victory of Francois Hollande in the French Presidential contest provides a further insight into the operation of the bond markets. It is frequently argued that there can be no retreat from ‘austerity’, which in reality is … Continue reading

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The Draft Monti II Regulations – An Inadequate Response to Viking and Laval

This response to the draft Monti 2 Regulations was sent to PIAU by Keith Ewing, Professor of Public Law, King’s College, London. Click here to download the response to Monti II

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German Warning Strikes Begin in Metals, Electronics Sectors

Warning strikes in the German metal working, engineering and electronic sectors will broaden this week with the break-down last week of third round of bargaining between IG Metall and employers’ associations in several states.  Upon expiration of a labour peace … Continue reading

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Much to learn from Germany on industry and skills

Last week I was one of a number of trade union officials and shop stewards who took part in a visit to Germany to look at training and skills. We went with Skills Minister John Hayes MP and representatives of BIS … Continue reading

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