May 1st 2009: International Workers’ Day
EGP press release,
01.05.2009 15:06
Greens fighting for workers’ rights and new green jobs as part of Green New Deal
Speaking ahead of International Workers’ Day on May 1st, the Spokespersons of the European Green Party have reiterated the Greens’ call for workers’ employment and social rights to be respected and improved on, especially at this time of economic crisis. The Spokespersons also reiterated the EGP’s commitment to create 5 million Green Collar jobs in the EU in 5 years as part of the Green New Deal presented in their election manifesto.
EGP Co-Spokesperson Philippe Lamberts, who is number two on the list for the European Elections for the French-speaking Belgian Green Party, Ecolo, said:” Improving working conditions and social protection for working people is a vital aspect of our political vision and we Greens fight hard for this at local and national level and also in the European Parliament. It is even more important that workers’ rights are protected in times of recession than in the so-called boom years and it is particularly important that governments do not allow employers to use the economic crisis as an excuse to dismiss vulnerable employees or cut back on crucial benefits such as pension rights. Labour legislation in the EU must be strengthened as it has too many loopholes which too often lead to business interests being put before workers’ rights. “
EGP Co-Spokesperson Ulrike Lunacek, who is also an Austrian MP and is the Austrian Greens' lead candidate in the upcoming elections to the European Parliament, continued:” Another crucial issue for us is the continuing pay-gap between men and women and this is something that Greens are working hard to close, at national and at the European level. It is also important that much more is done to protect those workers who are engaged in precarious work or forced self-employment. As well as protecting the rights of those currently employed, we Greens seek to create 5 million new Green Collar jobs in the EU in 5 years by a combination of private and public investment amounting to 500 billion Euro over 5 years (0.75 % of the EU's GDP).The Green New Deal would not only create jobs but would also help fight climate change as the investment would be in renewables, energy efficiency and other future-oriented technologies. This “Green New Deal” forms the core of our manifesto for the European Parliament Elections to be held from June 4th to 7th and we will endeavour to get this message across to voters throughout the EU.
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14:56 / 08.05.2009
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