General Council Statement on Europe

Congress 2013

Congress condemns the devastation that has been imposed in Europe by neo-liberalism and austerity, especially in those countries such as Greece, Ireland and Portugal where the Troika of the European Central Bank, International Monetary Fund and the European Commission have driven employment, standards of living and public service provision down to unacceptable levels. These policies - implemented through the EU but driven by national governments - are unsustainable economically, socially and politically.

At the same time, the Prime Minister's promise of a referendum on UK membership of the European Union (EU), after the renegotiation of key elements of that membership, is a divisive attempt to scrap vital employment rights from Europe, removing British workers from their scope. The TUC is strongly opposed to any attempt to undermine employment rights and protections, as are the British people.

Workers' rights to health and safety, paid holidays and rest breaks, protection against discrimination, equal pay and equal treatment for part-time, temporary, agency and contracted-out workers are essential elements of a Europe that works for its people. These protections help insulate vulnerable and insecure people at work across Europe from the effects of globalisation and recession. They are supported by trade unions across Europe, including the TUC. They are at risk and they need to be defended and strengthened.

The TUC is therefore concerned that uncertainty around the UK's relationship with Europe could further jeopardise investment and jobs at a time when Britain has not recovered from the global financial crisis, with high unemployment, especially among young people. This is particularly the case where major unionised companies have invested in plants in the UK because EU membership gives access to the single market.

Congress welcomes the work of the European Trade Union Confederation and unions around Europe in opposing austerity and neo-liberal policies and developing alternatives such as the ETUC's Social Compact. We congratulate the European Parliamentary Labour Party for standing up for measures such as the Working Time Directive, workers' rights in trade deals and the Robin Hood Tax.

Congress also condemns those far-right and xenophobic parties who have risen on the back of austerity politics, making migrant workers and other vulnerable groups the scapegoats for Europe's ills instead of targeting exploitative employers and tax avoiders.

Nevertheless, Congress notes that support for the European Union among voters and trade unions is not unconditional.

Whatever decision any future government may take on the issue of a referendum after the next General Election, Congress believes that the TUC must call for an informed, balanced debate not influenced by media and right wing xenophobic views. The most important priority in the run up to the European elections must be to campaign with unions across Europe, and build popular support for a People's Plan for Europe: opposing austerity and attacks on public services; demanding action on jobs-led growth through investment in infrastructure and housing; fairer pay and progressive taxation; and protecting and extending rights at work.