# # # # # # # # # EZA NEWS # EUROPEAN CENTRE FOR WORKERS´ QUESTIONS • NO. 4 / 2018

A decent life for everyone

or many centuries, Europe has flexible and replaceable workers who are been a meeting place for numerous regarded as objects of use as long as they F nations and cultures which in the produce. It is an economy that introduces last century instilled values such as peace, individualism into labour relations, co-operation, solidarity and democracy. rejects collective wage and work con- These ever vulnerable values, which tracts, creates competition even among require special attention, are based on employees, and is only about achieving family and work, the concept of man as targets. an individual and communal being, and on the idea of the responsible citizen will- Workers as humans should not resign ing to make compromises. These are pre- themselves to unemployment being a cisely the realities that have been ques- weapon, to not being able to either love or tioned recently by a “deadly” economy be fulfilled by their work, not being paid (Pope Francis: Evangelii Gaudium No. 53) enough to start and feed families, already that kills people, family, civic participa- huge inequalities still increasing, the tion, small companies, the environment poorest not being allowed to sit at a table and democracy. This economy puts big enough for everyone, peace and José Augusto Paixão, money, technology and power above the democracy being threatened. On these Portuguese, 73 years old, married, was interests of citizens, especially precarious, premises, the Europe of citizens has no already involved in very different future. activities when he was eleven. At the age of 18 he started his military ser- As a Christian workers’ movement, we vice and signed on for four years in have set ourselves the task of protecting the Portuguese navy. When he was 22, the dignity of work and humans whatev- he began working in a textile factory, er happens. For us, the human being is where he ended his active profession- holy because he/she is an image of God al career as head of the administra- and was created to be happy through tion. Other activities: 18 years as a work, and not to be reduced to an object. trade union leader and head of a co- In this we follow the methodology of operative; 20 years active in local gov- Joseph Cardijn: SEE, JUDGE and ACT, to ernment; member of various clubs assess, share and live the experiences of and associations. Career as an activist: workers. Our aim is to encourage the 1960 to 1963 member of the JAC involvement of citizens and co-operation (Catholic agricultural and rural youth with trade unions and other organisa- movement), 1963 to 1967 member of tions. We try to integrate church, politi- the Catholic Seafarers’ Federation, cians and civil society in the debate on 1968 to 1971 member of the JOC the life of workers, migrants, the poor and (Catholic young workers), since 1971 disadvantaged. On a European level, we member of the LOC/CWM (Christian develop this thinking during the EZA workers’ movement), including as seminars we organise or take part in. As group co-ordinator and regional repre- part of the celebration of the 100th sentative on a national level, co-ordi- anniversary of the ILO, we also wish to nator of the dioceses, national treasur- express our ideas to the other Christian er and member of the national man- EZA workers’ movements in Europe, the agement, since June 2013 national co- European episcopate and the ILO, and to ordinator. wishes you a contribute to the debate. We believe in the abilities and sense of responsibility of Merry Christmas every human being and in the represen- from immigration and see it only as a tative structures of workers, to enable threat to our prosperity. In the end, the and a work in Europe to become a foundation values we treasure today arose from the of decent life in future. This is also the encounter with other nations and cul- Happy 2019 reason we do not shut ourselves away tures. EZA NEWS Page 2

November saw the international Web cannot realise himself/herself, does not a new culture of encounter and responsi- Summit Conference in Portugal on the contribute to social development, and has bility, and to give work in the digital age topics of technology, digitisation and no economic means to survive. the dignity that enables a fair aspiration trade. However, it was only rarely that the for happiness. José Augusto Paixão I focus was on the consequences for work It is the view of LOC/MTC that society and workers. The conference participants has to re-evaluate the principles it trusts forgot that without work a human being in order to focus on a new humanism and

Elections for the EZA Council Luc Van den Brande new EZA President

t their General Assembly in Bucharest on 24 November 2018, A the members of the European Centre for Workers’ Questions (EZA) unanimously elected as the new EZA President the former Belgian Minister for Employment and Work and former Prime Minister of , Luc Van den Brande. Luc Van den Brande, who had also presided over the Committee of the Regions and the EPP/CD group of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, followed Bartho Pronk, former MEP, who had led EZA for seven years as President and was no longer candidate for personal reasons. Bartho Pronk was appointed EZA Honorary President for his achievements.

Likewise re-elected unanimously in their offices were Co-President Piergiorgio Sciacqua (Italy) and Treasurer Dr Norbert Honorary Presidents: Further members: Schnedl (Austria). Seven Vice-Presidents, Leo Pauwels, ; Bartho Pronk, João Paulo Branco, Portugal; David six further members and three Auditors Netherlands Cervera Olivares, Spain; Paolo Cesana, were also elected. Italy; Panagiotis Gkolfis, Greece; Bjørn President: van Heusden, Netherlands; Fritz EZA Secretary-General Sigrid Schraml Luc Van den Brande, Belgium Neugebauer, Austria; Carien Neven, was likewise confirmed by the new Co-President: Piergiorgio Sciacqua, Belgium; Prof. Dr Franjo Topic, Croatia Council for another four years in office. Italy At its constituting meeting, the Council Auditors: co-opted Prof. Dr Franjo Topic (Croatia) Treasurer: Bert van Caelenberg, Belgium; Alfonso into the body. Dr Norbert Schnedl, Austria Luzzi, Italy; Heidi Rabensteiner, Italy Victoria Znined I The individual members of the new Secretary-General: Council: Sigrid Schraml,

Vice-Presidents: Bogdan Hossu, Romania; Maria Reina Martin, Portugal; Herbert Metzger, Germany; Veselin Mitov, Bulgaria; Józef Mozolewski, Poland; Janina Sˇvediene˙, Lithuania; Joseph Thouvenel, France EZA NEWS Page 3 Thanks to Bartho Pronk

Bartho Pronk thanked the members for Calvo, António Matos Cristovão, Diomi - the seven years he was able to give to EZA des Diomidous, Søren Filbiger, Silviu and also promised to carry on contribut- Ispas, Dr. Gabriele Stauner, Josef Vella, ing to the network as Honorary President. Imre Palkovics and Roby Schadeck. Sigrid Schraml I The General Assembly also thanked the Council members who will no longer be represented in the new Council for their many years of commitment to EZA: Josep

Piergiorgio Sciacqua, Co-President of EZA, thanks Bartho Pronk for his commitment as EZA President

n behalf of the whole EZA net- work at the General Assembly, O Co-President Piergiorgio Sciacqua expressed his thanks to Bartho Pronk for his two terms of office as President. For seven years, Bartho Pronk had been a pru- dent President of EZA who had tirelessly attended countless seminars put on by EZA members and stood for the unity of the network in all its enriching diversity. In Bartho Pronk’s period of office, EZA had admitted 15 new members from six countries into its network. The smooth transition of the position of Secretary- General also occurred during his term of office.

Standing ovations for Bartho Pronk, who handed his office as EZA President over to Luc Van den Brande after two terms of office. Pronk will still be closely associated with EZA as Honorary President

The new EZA President: Luc Van den Brande

he graduate lawyer, born on which the “ethics of conviction” and 13 October 1945 in Mechelen/ “ethics of responsibility” challenge each T Belgium, practised law for many other. years and was Associate Professor (Professor extraordinarius) at the Catholic Van den Brande referred to the pending University of Leuven/Belgium. From challenges relating to the European elec- 1977 to 2009, he held various political tions 2019, the new Multiannual Financial offices: as a member of the Belgian House Framework, Brexit and the creation of a of Representatives, the social Europe, challenges he would like to and the Belgian . From 1988 to face together with the EZA members and 1992, he served in the Belgian govern- members of the elected bodies. “Europe ment of Martens as Minister of Emp loy - shall be social or shall not be”, Luc Van m entand Labour. From 1992 to 1999, he den Brande warned. Sigrid Schraml I was Prime Minister of the government of the Flanders Region. The new EZA President Luc Van den Brande during his inaugural speech at the EZA General Assembly At present he is inter alia a member of happy to come home to a network where the EU Committee of the Regions and workers’ rights are key”. For him as a Special Adviser to the President of the Christian, the gospel is the constant European Commission, Jean-Claude- source of inspiration and the human Juncker, for outreach to the citizens. being at the core of all action: “all differ- ent, all equal, all unique in an inclusive In his inaugural speech, the Christian society”. We are challenged as democrats Democrat (CV&D) emphasised “I am to move in an open, pluralistic society in EZA NEWS Page 4

Welcoming address by the Romanian President Klaus Werner Iohannis

at the General Assembly of the European Centre for Workers‘ Questions (EZA) on 24 November 2018 in Bucharest, Romania

hank you for the invitation and I would like to take this opportuni- T ty to congratulate you on all the work you are doing to strengthen democ- racy in the by helping to solve or alleviate the problems faced by European workers.

Today, the European Union is at a cross- roads. The European agenda is marked by multiple challenges and uncertainties, some of which have roots in the past, and others that are the fruit of recent devel- opments. In both cases, solutions can only be reached by consensus, by European institutions and civil society organisations working together to address the challenges posed by the cur- rent socio-political climate. A strong Europe means a prosperous, secure Europe – a Europe that is close to its citi- zens, that is economically competitive, also be held in the first semester of next strengthening of social rights will play an and that is grounded in its shared values year. These are only a few of the most important role. The development of the of solidarity and social justice, in its important issues that I hope we will be digital sector is also fundamental to eco- respect for democratic principles and for able to address with seriousness and effi- nomic progress and efforts must be made fundamental human rights and free- ciency, in order to contribute to the to turn the European Union into a world doms. If we all embrace these principles, strengthening of the European project. A leader in this area. I believe that your I am convinced that the everyday crises successful Romanian Presidency means, involvement in all these projects, and that now seem complicated will be at the end of the day, concrete results for throughout the upcoming period, is cru- resolved. European citizens. However, beyond con- cial. That is why I rely on your expertise, crete projects and approaches, my hope is which I hereby wish to emphasise and As you well know, Romania is in the final to restore European citizens‘ optimism. recognise today. stretch of its preparations for taking over the presidency of the Council of the This ambitious goal, however, requires a The event you are attending today takes European Union. This is a defining peri- collective effort to find solutions for a place only a few days before the 100th od for the future of the European project, strong European Union that can adapt anniversary of the unification of all which cannot be conceived of in the and change to meet the aspirations of Romania’s provinces, a day of great cele- absence of common values and shared future generations. That is why, in its dif- bration for us Romanians and for our interests. Your presence in Bucharest ficult mission for 2019, Romania attaches country. In these 100 years, Romanians today not only proves that this project is special importance to European social fought, and sometimes laid down their an important one and that it is being fol- dialogue. Through our seriousness and lives, for a modern and democratic lowed with great interest, but also pro- professionalism, we must set an example Romania, while European integration vides us with the optimism needed in for others – an example coming from a was one of the most important projects of order to fulfil this mandate. young, modern, developed EU Member the last century. Therefore, as the State, which is aware of its rights and President of the European Commission, For the first time since joining the Union responsibilities with regard to the man- Jean-Claude Juncker, said recently, this is in 2007, Romania, in the framework of its agement of the European labour market. not just a Romanian celebration, but a Presidency of the Council of the EU, will European celebration. have to manage several major challenges: One of Romania’s priorities is to strength- Brexit, the negotiation of the Multiannual en the cohesion of the EU by promoting Economic growth, democratic consolida- Financial Framework post-2020, and the solidarity, competitiveness and connectiv- tion, and the free movement of people are issue of migration. Moreover, the next ity. In order to achieve this key objective, just some of the benefits that EU mem- elections to the will actions related to employment and to the bership has brought us. Romania is EZA NEWS Page 5 strongly committed to the European prin- and the rule of law, fostering respect for assure you that you will find in me a part- ciples and values, and Romanians do not citizens, and promoting fundamental ner who is committed and focused on the see their future lying outside the Europ - freedoms. problems you are looking to solve. ean Union. That is why our efforts will be directed towards consolidating the Europ - Finally, I would like to congratulate you ean project by strengthening democracy once again on organising this event and I

Kick-off seminar of the European Centre for Workers’ Questions (EZA) in Bucharest

he situation of young workers in er at the National University of Political did not care for them but left them to the European labour market – Studies and Public Administration, fend for themselves. T between Millennials and NEETs – Buchar est, gave an overview of studies on was the focal issue of the EZA kick-off the Millennials and also identified special One focus of the discussion was the seminar, which was held in Bucharest/ qualities – such as creativity, flexibility, Youth Guarantee, which was primarily Romania from 22 to 23 November 2018, quick thinking – as well as less positive intended for less skilled young people. organised in conjunction with EUROFE- characteristics – for instance, being rather Pro bono training mentors were also dis- DOP (Europese Federatie van het impatient, unstructured and overestimat- cussed as a further practical example. It Overheidspersoneel) and with the finan- ing oneself –, that could result in conflicts became clear from this experience that cial support of the European Union. at work. young people often lacked self-confi- Some 100 representatives of workers’ dence. What is more, it was not just about organisations from 26 European coun- The discussions focused primarily on the the training place but also about fair pay. tries gathered to exchange ideas on this importance of vocational training. Work - Pay had to be a living wage. The point and on the core issues of the EZA 2019 ers’ representatives from various Europ - was also made that the situation in the education programme. ean countries emphatically described the different countries of the EU was not problem, for instance, that the crafts were always comparable one-to-one. Another Social dialogue in Europe racked with worries about recruiting important point referred to was the issue young workers and that in several profes- of the “brain drain” affecting mainly the Jörg Tagger, Head of the “Social Dialogue” sions it had become hard to find skilled countries of Eastern Europe. unit of the European Commission’s workers. The reasons for this included Directorate-General for Employment, the gulf between the labour market A panel discussion also underlined that it Social Affairs and Inclusion, delivered the requirements and the wishes of young was crucial young people be given the European Commission’s appreciation of people on the one hand, and their feeling that they were heard, respected the work of EZA as partner of the acquired skills on the other hand. A long- and guided, but not patronised. Commission. He said the exchange of term strategy of governments and work- ideas between workers’ organisations and ers’ organisations could remedy this. The current nationalistic ambitions in EU institutions was very important, as it Another criticism in this connection was Europe were deemed a great threat. The led to greater political acceptance. Tagger that European initiatives in particular fear was expressed that European cohe- gave a synopsis of the European Com - were often not set up for long enough. It sion could be lost. The lack of solidarity mission’s current social dialogue projects, was urgent to counter the cliché that the between those with work and those with- such as the European Pillar of Social dual vocational training system was only out it was also denounced. Rights, for better balance of family and something for school failures. The entry job, or the social minimum protection of into professional life also had to be made EZA 2019 education programme workers. A European Labour Authority to easier for young people. be created would pool information in The EZA 2019 education programme will future, he said. Marie Hermans, Director of the new EZA comprise 70 seminars. A key feature will member Centre Européen du Travail be the series of seminars on the strategies Young workers in the European labour (CET), described the phenomenon of of European institutions, as part of which market NEETs from her personal professional the projects on the focal issue “The future experience and presented several CET ini- of a social Europe – methods and per- Adriana Ciacâru from the Youth Com - tiatives. She said that the question of spectives of the European Pillar of Social mittee of the European Trade Union employment and purchasing power asso- Rights and other social policies” will be Confederation described the ETUC’s ini- ciated with it put young people in insecu- given academic assistance. In 2019, there tiatives on the situation of young people rity and frustration, because they could will also be co-ordinated projects on the in the labour market and the huge prob- not accomplish their dreams that seemed topics of “Youth employment”, “Future of lems young people still had to enter the achievable in the near future. They also work – changing labour relations” and labour market. Dr. Andreea Mitan, lectur- had the feeling of living in a world that “Safety and health at work”. Further top- EZA NEWS Page 6 ics will be “Capacity building”, “Inclusive ances” 2018-2019 campaign by the part in this with its education work. He labour markets”, “Integration of migrants European Agency for Safety and Health regretted that politicians sometimes and refugees in the labour market”, at Work (EU-OSHA) in Bilbao. seemed to forget workers’ rights, and “Working and living in a digitised world” wished workers’ organisations in Europe and the “Contribution of workers’ organi- In his closing remarks, EZA President a better resonance on national and sations to social justice in Europe”. EZA is Bartho Pronk wished wisdom, intelli- European level. Victoria Znined I also campaign partner of the “Healthy gence and understanding for the world. Workplaces – Manage Dangerous Subst - EZA, he said, could play an important

Information visit by Detlef Seif at EZA

ember of German Parliament European Affairs Committee and the During his visit Detlef Seif also informed () Detlef Seif visited working and social labour group of the about the progress of the Brexit negotia- M the Secretariat of the European CDU/CSU parliamentary group in the tions. He was concerned that a disorderly Centre for Workers‘ Questions (EZA) in German Bundestag should be intensified. exit of the United Kingdom from the European Union could occur. This would have very negative consequences for both sides, up to the endangerment of compa- nies and thus the endangerment of jobs. Herbert Metzger I

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Published by EZA European Centre for Workers’ Questions Johannes-Albers-Allee 2 53639 Königswinter From left to right: Herbert Metzger, Vice-President of EZA, Detlef Seif, Member of the German Parliament, Sigrid Schraml, Secretary- General of EZA Tel. +49 - 22 23 - 29 98 - 0 Fax +49 - 22 23 - 29 98 - 22 Königswinter in November 2018. Herbert E-mail: [email protected] Metzger, Vice President of EZA, and EZA www.eza.org Secretary General Sigrid Schraml in - formed the member of the Bundestag Editorial team about the work of EZA and the 73-mem- Sigrid Schraml (editor-in-chief), ber organizations in Europe. Matthias Homey, Norbert Klein, Victoria Znined, Esmeralda Van den Detlef Seif, the chairman of the CDU/CSU Bosch parliamentary group in the Bundestag Design and composition Committee on European Union Affairs, HellaDesign, Emmendingen was very interested in the work of EZA. E-mail: [email protected] Seif was impressed by the extensive edu- Photos cational offer. Each year around 65 inter- EZA, LOC, Romanian presidential national seminars are held on topics relat- office ing to the world of work and social pro- tection. In addition to the contents, expe- Frequency of publication riences with the cooperation of the differ- Four issues a year ent member organizations were dis- cussed. This publication receives financial support from the In view of the challenges in Europe, it was European Union. agreed that contacts with Members of the