Brussels, 28/09/2010 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday 29 September, 100,000 people are expected to take to the streets of Brussels in protest against the austerity measures recently brought in by several European countries (see EUROPE 10218). Demonstrators will come from some 50 trade union organisations from 30 countries, including Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg, Austria, Finland, Greece, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Romania, the United Kingdom and Norway. European industrial federations will also take part in this Euro-demonstration. In parallel with the Brussels demonstration, a general strike has been called in Spain and protest movements are planned in Portugal, Italy, Latvia, Poland, Cyprus, Romania, the Czech Republic, Lithuania, Serbia, France, and Ireland.
After the Euro-demonstration, which will set off from 1.00pm, an ETUC (European Trade Union Confederation) delegation will meet European Commission President José Manuel Barroso and current President of the EU Council of Ministers Yves Leterme. The unions will call for priority to be given to the creation of good quality jobs and growth.
In a call issued a few days ago, ETUC General Secretary John Monks said: “On 29 September, we will demonstrate to voice our concern over the economic and social context, which will be compounded by austerity measures. We are particularly alarmed over unemployment and rising inequalities. To cope with increasing precariousness, priority must be given to quality jobs. This is the message that we intend to transmit to European Commission President Mr Barroso and the current President of the EU Council Mr Leterme, whom we will meet after the demonstration”. (G.B./transl.rt)