Geneva, 14 November 2012 (ACTRAV INFO) -The Workers' group of the International Labour Organization (ILO) adopted a declaration of solidarity today with the European trade union movement on the occasion of the day of action and solidarity organized in Europe this 14 November 2012.

In a statement issued on Wednesday on the sidelines of the 316th Session of the Governing Body of the ILO, taking place in Geneva from 1 to 16 November 2012, "The Workers' group of the ILO wishes to express its full support for the day of action and solidarity that the European trade union movement organized on 14 November." Supporting the position expressed by the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC), the Workers' group of the ILO has criticized the austerity policies in Europe, while seeking the establishment of a social contract in the context of compliance with international labour standards.

"The Workers' group supports the European Trade Union Confederation and joined it to denounce the destructive austerity policies advocated by the European Union and the troika (the European Commission, the European Central Bank and the International Monetary Fund) and reclaim a social contract for Europe where there is real social dialogue, respect for international labour standards, an economic policy promoting quality jobs, and economic solidarity between European countries," the statement went on.

The Workers' group of the ILO, while sharing the concerns expressed by the ILO Director-General, Guy Ryder on the risk of creating a "lost generation", reaffirms "that there can be a crisis at the expense of rights of employees established by the ILO Conventions."

The Governing Body is the executive body of the International Labour Organization and is composed of 56 titular members (28 government representatives, 14 employer representatives, and 14 worker representatives), and 66 deputy members (28 government representatives, 19 employer representatives, and 19 worker representatives).

* The International Labour Office is the permanent secretariat of the International Labour Organization.