The European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) and its members will mobilise across the European Union, on 29 February, to denounce austerity and propose alternatives for employment and social justice. On the eve of the European Council, at which leaders will adopt the budget discipline treaty, unions across Europe will reiterate one and the same message: “Enough is enough! There are alternatives to austerity. Employment and social justice are the number one priorities”.

The European trade union day of action in the 27 states will take the form of demonstrations, rallies and work stoppages. Trade unionists will also provide information to workers in enterprises and public administrations. Brussels will also be the scene of two actions: a rally organised by the ETUC outside the European Union Council building, where the summit will be held on 1-2 March, and another rally organised by Belgian unions outside the Belgian National Bank (BNB). This national action, European in its focus, will ask the BNB to pass on the trade unions’ proposals to the European Central Bank. “In mobilising on the same day everywhere in Europe for the first time, the European trade unions are reacting at the same level of their anger and exasperation in the face of injustice! We want to say it loud and clear, on the eve of an important European summit, that there are alternatives to this Europe without solidarity, without plans, without hope and without prospects,” commented ETUC General Secretary Bernadette Ségol.

Ahead of its actions, the ETUC will meet European Commission President José Manuel Barroso, on 28 February, and European Council President Herman Van Rompuy and EP President Martin Schulz, on 29 February.