By the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs of European Parliament accepting the draft report “Information and consultation of workers, anticipation and management of restructuring” on 19 November, the planned improvements for workers has taken yet another hurdle. In spring 2012, the Spanish Socialist MEP, Alejandro Cercas used his report to push for more participation rights in respect of corporate restructuring.

For the second time this year already, European, German and Austrian trade unions as well as the Brussels Office of the Austrian Federal Chamber of Labour organised an expert debate on the Directive on the Award of Concession Contracts and on the Public Procurement Directive for MEPs and their staff.

Following a long battle, EU Commissioner and Vice President Reding has succeeded in pushing through a legislative proposal within the Commission, according to which 40 percent of all supervisory board seats in listed European companies have to be occupied by women. The pressure had simply become too much; the rejectionists within the Commission could no longer halt the foray of the Luxembourg Commissioner.

For employees in Europe, November, 14th 2012 was a day to draw to attention to their own problems caused by an austerity policy, which had been imposed on them by the EU and to show solidarity with countries that were hit hard by the current EU policy aimed at solving the crisis. The European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) called on all its members to organise protests, rallies and actions of any kind to remind the EU that their policy has to be made with its citizens in mind and not just for companies.

The general strike in Spain and Portugal and the numerous strikes in solidarity and demos last Wednesday have clearly shown that the people of Europe have enough. The blind austerity policy at the expense of employees has dramatic consequences for many. Last week, a comprehensive austerity package has been approved by Greece, which will have a massive impact on the social system. In Brussels, the Greek Finance Minister, Giannis Stournaras, and the Labour Minister, Giannis Vroutsis, answered questions put to them by MEPs.

If the European Commission had its way, the already liberalised groundhandling services would be opened even more in the name of competition. However, hardly any thoughts have been spent on employees in charge of loading and unloading or cleaning and refilling aircrafts.

The so-called “Rompuy Report” at the end of June initiated discussions on the future of Europe. Now the European Parliament wants to have its say. No less than three committees of the European Parliament discussed a road map for Europe this week. To coincide with this, the European Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs has prepared the “Thyssen Report”.

The implementation of competitiveness within the EU and by the EU was regulated and to a large degree adhered to by the Member States; however, the protection of employees and employment was treated as an orphan by the Union, said Isabelle Schönmann of the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC).

The negotiations of the 2014-2020 Multiannual Financial Framework are in full swing: the Council wants to set the budget volume of the Multiannual Financial Framework before the end of the year if possible. Several Member States reportedly are aiming at significantly reducing the budget volume. This is in contrast to the European Parliament, which has already demanded a 5 % increase of the Multiannual Financial Frameworks compared to the current budget.

The latest unemployment figures of the European Union reflect the sad impact of the crisis and of European austerity policy. The people concerned living in the southern countries are engaging in mass protests and strikes to draw attention to their desolate situation. There cannot be any doubt that a shift in policy is needed at European level. The Social Compact proposed by the European Trade Union Confederation is a start.