At the UNI Europa Finance Conference held in Torremolinos, Spain, on 22 October 2019, trade union leaders from all over Europe mapped the way forward for a rapidly changing sector. UNI Europa Finance plays a vital role in promoting strong trade unions through meaningful social dialogue. Through their work at a European level, UNI Europa Finance is able to strengthen worker protections and build better working conditions throughout Europe.
Oliver Roethig, Regional Secretary of UNI Europa, said “Globally we must support each other in the workplace and in our societies, to ensure workers have a say for democracy”.
He added: “Collective bargaining is a crucial pillar of democracy, an antidote to populism and a key to building strong Finance unions”.
Michael Budolfsen, who was reelected as UNI Europa Finance President said, “If we join our forces and our resources, we can build together. We must invest our resources, our competencies and our dedication to this work.”
“Together, we can raise the level for finance workers across Europe. Together, we can make finance companies serve the real economy. Together we can make a better future for our members. The need for a strong European trade union cooperation has never been greater, and UNI Europa Finance will make it happen.”
“Our strength comes through shared values, robust organising and forging common solutions to the challenges we face together in the finance sector,” said Head of UNI Finance Angelo di Cristo. “Our success is your success, and we can be proud of it!”
“Over the last 4 years we’ve built strength within global companies, grown trade union recognition and improved job security and working standards.”
“Without strong unions there isn’t strong collective bargaining,” said Maureen Hick, Director of UNI Europa Finance. “Organising is key and we’re proud of the fantastic efforts you, the affiliates, have made in recruiting new members and growing our movement – and of our young trade union activists, with whom we can look to the future with confidence and commitment, and come together for strong finance unions, today and tomorrow!”
In Torremolinos, the new UNI Europa Finance Presidium members were also elected: President Michael Budolfsen (FSU Denmark) and 4 Vice Presidents Pia Desmet (SETCA BBTK Belgium), Anna Maria Romano (FISAC CGIL Italy), Dominic Hook (UNITE UK), Jan Duschek (ver.di Germany), as well as the new steering group members.
Access here the Conference Resolution Document .
