Ukraine: Trade Unions from Across Europe Endorse Five-Point Plan
Brussels, 11 March 2014 (ITUC OnLine): Trade unions from across Europe, meeting today in Brussels, have issued a call
for a peaceful, efficient and socially-acceptable way out the crisis in Ukraine, pointing to the years of irresponsible
policy-making, unaccountable economic management and systematic disregard of rights and freedoms. The statement was
issued from a meeting of the Pan-European Regional Council European which brings together ITUC affiliates from across
Europe, including the Ukrainian trade union movement, as well as the members of the European Trade Union Confederation.
The five point plan calls for:
- De-escalation of tensions, respect for the Ukrainian Constitution, territorial integrity and withdrawal of all
armed forces;
- Free and fair elections to shift to a genuine democratic political system, respect for the rights of all, and
investigation of all acts of violence, illegal appropriation of public money and abuse of public office;
- Economic assistance packages from the EU and international financial institutions, with a strong warning to
avoid the discredited austerity approach pushed on EU member states by the “troika”;
- Social dialogue with the guarantee that workers’ rights will be respected; and,
- Support for efficient and affordable public services, including priority for stability measures.
“This plan gives a clear pathway out of crisis and towards the kind of economy and society that the people of Ukraine
want and deserve. Political leaders and the European and global institutions need to start work urgently on fulfilling
their responsibilities to avoid further turmoil and help Ukraine to get on the right track,” said ITUC General Secretary
Sharan Burrow.
To read the full statement: http://www.ituc-csi.org/pan-european-regional-council
The ITUC represents 176 million workers in 161 countries and territories and has 325 national affiliates.
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ENDS