UNI Europa in 2025
13. January 2025Forward through Collective Bargaining – Real Say, More Pay!
Dear Colleagues,
2025 is a pivotal year for Europe’s service workers, their unions, and UNI Europa. As we approach the 6th UNI Europa Conference in Belfast, we come together at a critical moment to advance our strategic goal: real say and more pay for workers through collective bargaining.
Progress on Public Procurement Reform
The EU is preparing to propose a reform of its public procurement rules, a significant milestone following our 2021 campaign. However, this is just the beginning. We must keep the momentum to shape this revision into a pro-worker policy, avoiding a race to the bottom.
On October 1, 2024, our demonstration in Brussels sent a strong message to the EU Commission: public money must support companies with collective agreements. We’ll continue fighting to make this a reality in the coming weeks and months.
Towards 80% Collective Bargaining Coverage
EU member states are tasked with presenting national action plans by year-end to achieve 80% collective bargaining coverage. This goal, supported by the Minimum Wage Directive, reflects our movement’s success in influencing EU policy. Now, we must ensure this target is reached not just in the EU but across Europe.
EPOC’s 5th Anniversary
This year marks the 5th anniversary of the European Power and Organising Centre (EPOC). EPOC has provided invaluable training to union leaders, organisers, and representatives, helping them strengthen unions, recruit members, and secure collective agreements. Its achievements highlight the power of strategic organising.
Challenges Ahead
Despite our progress, we face a challenging political landscape. The European Parliament and Commission have shifted to the right, with far-right parties gaining influence. Meanwhile, austerity and deregulation threaten economic stability, workers' rights, and democracy. In the US, the potential return of Trump could undermine pro-worker policies and promote neoliberal agendas in Europe.
At our Belfast Conference, we will address these challenges and develop a strategy for the future. Together, we’ll work for better pay and workplace democracy, standing united against divisive forces.
25 Years of UNI Europa
2025 also marks UNI Europa’s 25th anniversary. Over the past quarter-century, we’ve achieved significant progress through collective bargaining, organising, research, and advocacy. Let’s celebrate these achievements and build on them to strengthen democracy and workers’ rights across Europe.
Looking Forward
Let’s make 2025 a year of strength, success, and solidarity. Together, we will achieve real say and more pay for workers.
Forward through collective bargaining!
Best wishes,
Oliver Roethig
Regional Secretary