EU-Russia trade unions forge social partnership

Date: 24/05/01

By John Shelley

EU TRADE unions have agreed to set up working relations with their counterparts in Russia.

The European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) and the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Russia (FITUR) signed a cooperation agreement at the EU-Russia summit in Moscow last week.

In a joint statement, ETUC secretary-general Emilio Gabaglio and FITUR President Mikhail Shmakov pledged to work together to promote social rights as the two power blocs move to cooperate more closely.

"FITUR and ETUC will start to develop relevant activities in the context of the EU-Russia partnership and focus on social fundamental rights, economic development and its social dimension, social protection social dialogue," they say.

EU trade unions have agreed to set up working relations with their counterparts in Russia.