Workers across Europe unite in fight against crisis

(Luxembourg, May 17th, 2009)

Some 350,000 people, including representatives from EuroCOP, took to the streets in Madrid, Brussels, Berlin and Prague to support the ETUC Action Days for the unemployed following the financial crisis.

Berlin demonstration outside the Gedächtnichtskirche in central Berlin.

EuroCOP President Heinz Kiefer was on location in Berlin on May 16th. He talked not only of the perspective on the financial crisis for police officers, but for citizens of Europe as a whole. The whole of Europe has to work together to find a solution, according to Kiefer.
"We as EuroCOP stand beside our colleagues who have lost their jobs, the ones who don't know what will happen next. It is our politician's task to find solutions for this crisis, but I do not know how cutting back on public services can be part of the solution!".

The participants in the various demonstrations across Europe were demanding more ambitious and more courageous action by Europe and its national governments to help the growing masses of unemployed people. They also demanded that financial capitalism excesses should never again be allowed to wreck the world economy.

"The size of these Euro-demonstrations reveals the widespread concerns for the future, […]ETUC General Secretary, John Monks, said in a comment.

"Tighter regulation of financial markets is needed now and more workers influence on boardrooms. Workers want life support systems for industry and jobs too, and ambitious action to help the fight against growing unemployment. That's the message from the streets across Europe this week."

EuroCOP Executive Committee Member and ETUC Representative Lillemor Melin Sving represented EuroCOP on Prague. Treasurer Manuel Lopez took part in the demonstrations in Madrid and Vice President Jan Schonkeren held the flag for EuroCOP in Brussels.