Brussels, le 15/10/2012 (Agence Europe) - Ulrich Eckelmann, Deputy Secretary General of IndustriAll European Trade Union, did not appear overly optimistic about the determination of the European decision-makers to effect a change of political course at the summit of 18 and 19 October. “I believe that they will stick to the austerity measures”, he said. However, this austerity has become the hobbyhorse of the campaign “Industy- That's us!” coordinated by IndustriAll. Eckelmann argues that the drastic policies pursued in Europe are undermining private demand, which will soon no longer be able to be compensated by demand from Southeast Asia. As for the “low salary” policy, this will have the sole effect of exacerbating the negative effects of the crisis, without making Europe more competitive.
However, the fact that the European Commission recognises the potential of the industrial sector as a driving force behind economic recovery proves that it is “on the right track”. However, a change of strategy is vital, and not just restricted to industry alone.
Bernadette Ségol, General Secretary of the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC), referred to the social situation of certain countries, which she described as "explosive and contrary to all future solutions". She reiterated that the recent observation of the IMF that the effects of austerity are more severe than anticipated does not yet seem to have “resonated in the ears” of the European decision-makers, as she put it.
This is why her organisation and that of Eckelmann have written jointly to the presidents of the Commission, José Manuel Barroso, and of the European Council, Herman Van Rompuy. In their letter, the organisations make seven recommendations, from the creation of a “European social pact”, to a combination of growth measures to budgetary constraints, targeted investments and a financial solidarity pact, in order to preserve the single currency. (EL/transl.fl)