As we mark the 60th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Rome, we should reflect on the significant gains that European Union membership has provided for workers in Ireland, as well as the volume of work that still needs to be done to ensure it continues to be of benefit to them.
This anniversary comes at a moment of real uncertainty regarding the future of Europe. Consequently, this is not a time for complacency. It is a time to look forward and to reflect back. It’s a time for workers and their unions to articulate an ambitious, courageous and clear vision of a European future that works for workers.
It is also a time to reflect back on the founding principles of the European Union: the principles that meant it would become the vehicle that allowed a continent to emerge from the ruins of World War II. The European Union and trade unionism share the same first principle: that of solidarity. In a time of growing inequality and insecurity it is important that that the EU reconnects with that core value.
The European Union is far from perfect. There are many challenges, some are critical. Though acutely aware of these challenges, IMPACT is fully committed to playing whatever role it can in making the European project work for workers.
Speaking on the 60th anniversary, Luca Visentini, general secretary of the ETUC said that “the celebrations of the 60th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome are an opportunity to reinforce and relaunch an EU based on peace, democracy, prosperity and social justice.”
IMPACT will begin immediately to formulate its vision of a Europe that works for workers. For example, later this month, the union will host a seminar entitled “Brexit: Jobs and Standards in the Food and Agricultural Sector” in order to interrogate what effects Brexit will have on workers in the food and agricultural industry.
