CNSM leadership present at the Federal Congress of the Austrian Trade Union Federation

“Even if there were no trade unions, they had to be invented!” – a statement made by Austrian Federal President Alexander Van Der Bellen at the opening of the Federal Congress of the Austrian Trade Union Federation (ÖGB), which took place during the June 12-14 in Vienna. The National Trade Union Confederation of Moldova (CNSM) was represented by vice-president Mihail Hîncu.

Social security, promoting a European and international trade policy, intensifying the fight against wage and social dumping were the main requirements of the ÖGB towards the Austrian Presidency of the Council of the European Union (01.07-31.12.2018).

During the Congress entitled “Fair Work 4.0 – thinking in the network, acting in solidarity”, interactive exposures were launched with reference to fair and decent work, the benefits of society through technological progress and information development, labour relations in the context of conventions and collective labour agreements for any employee, social and economic protection of employees through social partnership, job creation through the consolidation of the economy, social security for ensuring sustainable development and raising the standard of living of citizens.

“It is important to recognize changes in the workplace in a timely manner and to help them adapt,” Erich Foglar, chairman of ÖGB, said. “All those who depend on an employer from an economic point of view should also be protected by the Labour Law and Collective Agreements. Through our set of requests, we want to address the evasion of the Labour Law and false self-employment.” This is not only essential for the workers concerned, but is also valid for the support of a functioning society – 60% of the state’s income is based on work. Without a regulated job, there is no basis for achieving the welfare of the state,” warns Foglar,”and distribution is the key. This is the key move to be adopted at our Congress as a basic program for the next five years. ”

Mihail Hîncu expressed his thanks from CNSM to the ÖGB President Erich Foglar for efficient and sustainable collaboration through long-standing concrete projects, solidarity actions and work-oriented activities. He also assured the continuity of this collaboration with Wolfgang Katzian, the new president elected at the Federal Congress of the Austrian Trade Union Federation.

Department of mass media and international relations