The continent of Europe has become the latest victim of those pesky striking workers, as unions have staged a coordinated day of action to protest against budget and pay cuts.
Photo: Reuters
Tens of thousands of workers across the EU have joined in action against widespread austerity measures, designed to reduce budget deficits. Workers, however, feel they are being unfairly burdened with the brunt of these cuts, given that they played no role in causing the crisis. Rafael Garcia, a Spanish plumber, commented:
“There has been a serious deterioration in our rights and if the working class does not react we are going to have a very bad time.”
Spain has seen the most widespread protests with a general strike, the first for eight years, crippling public services in an effort to fight pay cuts, a raised retirement age and a slackening of labour laws.
France is expecting further strikes this weekend as the battle over pensions intensifies, with Sarkozy’s government also proposing raising the age of entitlement to a full state pension to 67.
Head of the European Trade Union Confederation, John Monks, told marchers in Brussels:
“This is the start of the fight, not the end. That our voice be heard is our major demand today – against austerity and for jobs and growth.”
"I would've gotten away with it if it weren't for you meddling Unions" Photo: Reuters
Source: Socialist Worker
