MESSAGE OF SOLIDARITY TO EUROPEAN TRADE UNION CONFEDERATION
In connection with the 40th anniversary of the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) to be marked 7 February 2013, GCTU General Secretary Vladimir Scherbakov sent the following message of solidarity to ETUC General Secretary Bernadette Segol:
“Moscow, 6 February 2013
Dear Sister Bernadette Segol,
Speaking for the General Confederation of Trade Unions (GCTU) numbering about 50 million union members, may I warmly and heartily congratulate the European Trade Union Confederation on its 40th anniversary.
Over the years, the ETUC has united the absolute majority of trade unions in Western, Central and South-Eastern Europe to become a most important actor in the world trade union movement, recognised as an integral part of the European political landscape. This was possible due to the principled position it was always taking on issues of concern to Europe’s workers, and the ability to respond promptly to new developments in the continent.
The struggle the ETUC has been waging to add an effective social dimension to the European construction in a new political context deserves special respect. To achieve this goal, it has been making efforts to promote a social Europe, enhance social dialogue, implement the idea of a Social Contract for Europe, and protect human rights and labour rights. These activities are largely consonant with the challenges that the GCTU is facing in its own region. It is noteworthy that, while celebrating its 40th anniversary, the ETUC not only reviews proudly its attainments, but also sets new tasks for the future, including the decision of the most crucial problem of eliminating unemployment.
We express our fraternal solidarity with the struggle of the European Trade Union Confederation for a socially just Europe, in defence of the worker’s dignity. We wish you and your colleagues every success, and are confident in the future positive development of friendly relations between our two Confederations and their affiliates.
With fraternal greetings,
Vladimir SCHERBAKOV, General Secretary
General Confederation of Trade Unions”