ETUI Lunch debate - Military Trade Unionism in Europe

Military Trade Unionism in Europe

Welcome by Peter Scherrer, Deputy General Secretary ETUC
Introduction by Emmanuel Jacob, EUROMIL President

Speakers:
Ton De Zeeuw, FNV Veiligheid, The Netherlands, EUROMIL Treasurer

Augusto Praça, International Department of CGTP-In, General Confederation of the Portuguese Workers

Q&A session

Moderator: Philippe Pochet, General Director ETUI

Briefing: Workers representation through trade unions and professional associations is one of the key concept of today’s European democracies. While most workers have the possibility to organise themselves in trade unions and associations according to their professional field of activity, one group of workers faces serious problems and is even denied its right of association in some European countries: the military personnel.

As umbrella organisation of European military trade unions and professional associations, EUROMIL strongly believes that governments and society owe a duty of care towards their military personnel. Soldiers are called upon to make sacrifices, risking health and life in the service of the nation and the international community. Servicemen and -women deserve in return fair treatment, respect and to be valued as fellow citizens. The fact that some men and women have chosen to serve their country by wearing a uniform does not negate their fundamental rights. Therefore, EUROMIL strives to secure and advance the human rights, fundamental freedoms and socio-professional interests of soldiers at European level.

The event aims at informing Brussels based stakeholders about best practices concerning military trade unionism as well as problems and legal boundaries faced by military personnel when trying to organise themselves.