Working draft for the document on the role of the ETUC - Initial discussion

Transcription

1 BS/lw Brussels, 5 February 2015 STEERING COMMITTEE ETUC\SC165\EN\3 Agenda item 3 Working draft for the document on the role of the ETUC - Initial discussion The Steering Committee is invited to discuss this document. European Trade Union Confederation Bernadette Ségol, General Secretary Bld du Roi Albert II, 5, B Brussels +32 (0) etuc@etuc.org

2 Working draft for the document on the role of the ETUC The role of the ETUC and unionisation is to be detailed in a document for adoption by Congress. This document should provide guidance, if not definitive answers. The aim of this memo, presented to the Steering Committee on 5 February 2015, is to raise questions and prompt open discussion to guide the drafting of the document to be discussed at the CPC meeting. BACKGROUND 1. In most countries the number of trade union members is falling, despite increases in certain countries and a number of successful initiatives to recruit young people, women and migrants in particular. Since 2007 the ETUC has lost 5,625,682, i.e %, of its members (see annex for breakdown). Linear calculations no doubt overly simplistic suggest that unless this trend is reversed, the ETUC will have no members at all in two generations. 2. While collective bargaining coverage is not necessarily affected by unionisation levels, it has been reduced by recent reforms. A full appraisal of the situation would require the measurement of both unionisation rates and the number of workers covered by collective bargaining. 3. Trade unions continue to play a significant and positive role in Europe, for both European economies and the quality of our societies. The democratic network formed by trade unions is a major force at national level and increasingly at European level too. 4. The trade union movement's traditional political networks are becoming less and less dependable. Even when in power, they seem unable to take a stand against economic, financial and monetary pressures that encourage deregulation and all-out competition. This is jeopardising the European social model. 5. New powers have been conferred on the European institutions which, under economic governance rules, are intervening in national affairs, especially in Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) countries, and in particular with issues such as working conditions, wages and social protection. 6. The European Parliament has greater powers than before. While we have significantly strengthened our presence and influence in this arena, we do not have enough of a political majority to lend extra weight to our cause. 7. Differences are emerging between countries. The crisis has not affected Germany as it has Spain, or Poland as it has Italy. Populations no longer see Europe as an engine for social progress and prosperity, but rather as a vector for growing social inequality. Some governments are calling for greater European solidarity, while others are refusing to share any more of the benefits they derive from the European Union and still others are demanding an end to common policies to focus solely on the national benefits of free trade on the single market. 8. The labour market is undergoing drastic changes. Following the transition from an industrial to a service economy, entailing major labour market developments (individualised contracts, growth in self-employment, very short fixed-term contracts, etc.), a second revolution has begun, with the transition to a digital economy combined with automation. This is leading to the emergence of a deregulated, common and harsh economy that will completely transform labour markets. This transformation poses many challenges, which trade unions must already confront. 2

3 9. For the ETUC, the European project is not only a historical symbol and a beacon of peace, but also a response to globalisation. Yet support for the European project has wavered considerably, even among our members, and xenophobic and populist parties are capitalising on people's disenchantment with the system. OUR UNITY IS OUR STRENGTH 10. The ETUC's unity is its greatest strength. Our influence depends on our ability to speak with a single voice on behalf of workers. This means we must seek consensus among our members. 11. Finding consensus has become more difficult as a result of the economic and social differences between the core EMU countries, those on its periphery, non-members of the euro area and European countries that are not EU Member States. 12. As we stand for social justice, our unity is founded on moral solidarity. It is also based on economic and social solidarity, since we know that the economic problems of one country will ultimately have an impact on others. 13. In a complex and rapidly changing environment, slowing down or standing still could jeopardise our effectiveness. 14. There are diverging opinions on the role of the ETUC. These differences regularly surface at Executive Committee and working group meetings. They are also clear from reactions to the draft manifesto. 15. Some member organisations of the ETUC are content with its current role and want to develop its activities within the existing framework; others would prefer to change the role of the ETUC, including its involvement in bargaining and tripartite social dialogue. ROLE OF THE ETUC A. Economic governance and wage policy 16. The ETUC has a coordinating role. 17. The ETUC must ensure that trade unions are consulted at national level. 18. The ETUC must coordinate the response of European trade unions and put forward that response within all the bodies where it is involved in consultation, and on all available platforms. 19. Should the ETUC go beyond the consultation level? Should we demand or potentially accept a tripartite platform for consultation on economic governance? 20. We are calling for sustainable growth that creates jobs. Some people more and more in fact are raising doubts about the return to growth; others are questioning the merits of calls for fresh growth given the environmental challenges facing us. Should these issues be explored? 21. For more than two decades, the ETUC has pursued and intensified efforts to coordinate collective bargaining, especially wage negotiations, in a bid to stop wages spiralling downwards. This coordination is being hindered by the EU's interference in wage policy and the increasing decentralisation of negotiations. The ETUC is calling for higher minimum wages wherever trade unions demand them. The ETUC also opposes any interference whatsoever in the autonomy of the social partners. 3

4 22. If coordinating negotiations is desirable but not achievable, and if the ETUC is opposed to institutional interference in wage policy, what can we do to counter downward wage competition? 23. What role should the ETUC play in wage policy? Should it stick to the broad principles, e.g. that decent pay is vital for growth, and that we reject the EU's interference in wages? Is this enough? Or should we more clearly define what decent pay is, citing figures and making comparisons with national median wages? Should we promote the EU's minimum wage initiatives? 24. Due to the impact of monetary union, should the ETUC play a more specific role on behalf of euro area countries? If so, what should this be? Which policies affect only the euro area? 25. Although we are calling for the addition of a social protocol to the treaty to counteract wage and social dumping, this is a long-term prospect. Should the ETUC promote European labour law? We are also calling for legislation on health and safety and the revision of the Posting of Workers Directive and the Working Time Directive. Should we call for any other social legislation at European level? If so, in what area? 26. European social dialogue is often seen as a structure with only a very limited impact at national level. The ETUC believes it is important to maintain this structure, unique in an integrated regional environment. Given that employers are not interested in promoting negotiations on social regulation in Europe, how can we exert credible pressure on employers to promote bipartite dialogue at European level? 27. How can the ETUC contribute to the development of social dialogue at national level, especially in those countries where such dialogue is rare or non-existent? Should the ETUC call for an EU reference framework on national bargaining and dialogue? 28. Does the ETUC have a role to play in promoting the European project? We take the view that greater European integration can only be accepted if it goes hand in hand with progress towards a social Europe. Can our support for European integration be so restrictive and conditional? Or should we clearly state that European integration is the only possible course of action in a globalised world? B. Unionisation 29. Addressing unionisation is vital for our future. This is needed above all at national level, as the ETUC has no individual members. As such, the ETUC's role is indirect, while de-unionisation has a cross-border impact. 30. The ETUC could assist organisations by sharing successful or innovative practices. Such exchanges and any other actions should place a particular focus on unionisation and keeping young people and precarious workers in the trade union movement. 31. Unionisation activities for cross-border projects/situations, especially mobile workers, could be coordinated by the ETUC. 32. Trade union cards for mobile workers should be put back on the agenda. 33. Bilateral agreements already exist between various trade unions. Federations are also active in this area. Could the ETUC encourage and coordinate bilateral recognition agreements? 4

5 34. Should the ETUC draft guidelines for national trade union training on Europe? Such training would encourage the emergence of a new generation sharing a single vision of European trade unionism. C. Actions and initiatives 35. Over the past 10 years we have organised nine Euro-demonstrations, not to mention several action days. The success of these initiatives has been variable and their effectiveness debated. Are demonstrations the most effective means of achieving our objectives? 36. The success of European demonstrations or coordinated actions depends on the commitment of member organisations. This commitment has been lacking in some cases. 37. Given the challenges posed by European initiatives, should a greater emphasis be placed on other media-orientated activities to influence public opinion and political decision-makers? 38. How can we link our actions to other social movements with similar causes to ours without, however, losing our specific role? D. Coordination between the ETUC and its members 39. Coordination between the national level, European federations and the ETUC, and vice versa, is crucial if we are to meet our targets. 40. The ETUC's demands for economic recovery, investment and wage policy must be better recognised at national level. This would not only make the ETUC more effective, but would also help to integrate European trade unionism into the national trade union culture. 41. Where national collective actions are undertaken, the European dimension is often lost, when it could actually bolster national trade union causes. 42. Guidelines approved by the Executive Committee are not always followed up at national level. FUNCTIONING OF THE ETUC 43. The ETUC secretariat covers a broad range of topics. In fact, the list is continuing to grow while financial resources are dwindling. The Secretariat does not have the means to effectively follow up issues such as the digitisation of the economy, fiscal affairs and taxation, which are major elements of the Commission's programme. The General Secretary is responsible for submitting priorities to the Executive Committee. 44. The composition of the Secretariat and the allocation of the Presidency reflect the need to balance the cultural sensitivities of trade unions. While this is positive for the unity of the ETUC, it affects its agility. 45. Executive Committee discussions should focus on fundamental political guidance. The Executive Committee should be a policy arena, not an editorial one. 46. Should positions agreed by the working groups be approved by the Executive Committee without discussion? 47. Organising eight Steering Committee meetings and four Executive Committee meetings a year puts a considerable strain on the resources of the Secretariat. Could the General Secretary use the flexibility afforded by the statutes to organise 5

6 Steering Committee meetings only where necessary for policy reasons? In any case, Steering Committee meetings preceding Executive Committee meetings should be optional. FINANCIAL RESOURCES 48. The ETUC cannot achieve its objectives set by Congress without additional resources. That said, most member confederations are in considerable financial difficulty. 49. At present, group 1 members contribute per member per year. Could we possibly ask group 1 members to ask their members for a voluntary contribution of an additional 1 for the European trade union cause? This would give the ETUC the resources it needs to meet workers' current expectations of the European trade union movement. 50. Should we revive discussions on the financial participation of federations in the ETUC? 51. If the ETUC fails to secure additional financial resources, it risks depending on project funding. This would have a knock-on effect on the activities and autonomy of the ETUC. 6