New Year Message from the Director of ACTRAV, Mr Dan Cunniah

On the occasion of the New Year it is an honour for me, in the name of the Director-General, Mr Juan Somavia, to send you my best wishes.

Statement | Geneva | 21 December 2011

Dear brothers and sisters,

On the occasion of the New Year it is an honour for me, in the name of the Director-General, Mr Juan Somavia, to send you my best wishes.

The year 2012 starts with numerous challenges for workers who are confronted by rigorous austerity measures taken by governments. Everywhere there is talk about the crisis but the proposed remedies are not fair to all.

Because, in this debt crisis, workers and their families are by no means responsible, but today they are paying the high price with job cuts, and budgetary cuts in social security provisions which make them even more vulnerable.

Should we stand with our arms crossed waiting for a sign from on high? Trade unions have already shown the way in several countries – to mobilize together to defend workers’ rights.

Dear brothers and sisters,

Faced with this pessimistic forecast and the risk of a new recession knocking at our doors, the Bureau for Workers’ Activities (ACTRAV) is determined to accompany trade union organizations and workers in the entire world, in the framework of its mission of advice, assistance and support to the trade union movement. The objective assigned to our Department is to help representative, independent and democratic trade unions in all countries so that they can best defend the rights and interests of their workers.

Dear brothers and sisters,

In the name of my colleagues in ACTRAV, we re-iterate our availability and commitment to respond efficiently to the expectations of the trade union movement.

A Happy New Year 2012 to all!

Geneva, 21 December 2011

Dan Cunniah
Director
Bureau for Workers’ Activities (ACTRAV)