EU: interview of Bernadette Ségol, new general secretary of the European Trade Union Confederation

Bernadette Ségol.  The key axis that came out of this Congress is about the actions and program we need to have regarding the austerity measures and economic governance project being developed by the European Union.  We don’t like it, because it is focused on cutting pay, collective bargaining systems and, generally speaking, recommends flexible work and attacks minimum wage and indexation.  This is really at the heart of what we defend as a union at national and European level.  We don’t see any positive elements in this economic governance program and we want in-depth changes to taxation.  We demand fair taxation combating tax evasion and taxation on financial transactions.  We also request investments, and that these be deducted from public debts.  Finally, we would like a European obligation system allowing countries who need it to borrow, with a reasonable rate, sums they can pay back.  This is a key element of the Congress’ message.
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ion. This is really at the heart of what we defend as a union at national and European level. We don’t see any positive elements in this economic governance program and we want in-depth changes to taxation. We demand fair taxation combating tax evasion and taxation on financial transactions. We also request investments, and that these be deducted from public debts. Finally, we would like a European obligation system allowing countries who need it to borrow, with a reasonable rate, sums the

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