Voice for a social Europe

Foto Copyright: © mik ivan - Fotolia.com

The new CESI Secretary General Klaus Heeger urges political players to include public sector trade unions in the search for a way out of the global financial and European debt crises. Without their participation, applicable policies regarding debt reduction cannot be achieved, says Heeger. In 2012, he intends to concentrate CESI's efforts on developing a more social Europe in the crisis. “It is important that our voice as a European social partner can be heard loud and clear, especially in these times of crisis,” says CESI Secretary General Klaus Heeger as he describes one of CESI's most important duties in 2012.

“It is our duty, especially in the context of the current crisis, to point out the particular importance of the public sector in Europe,” says Klaus Heeger. It is the public sector that implements reforms and shapes the future as a public commodity, according to the CESI Secretary General. The lack of effective structures in the management of individual EU member states may have been a cause of the debt crisis. “Without a well-functioning, motivated public sector that works according to an established legal framework, there can be no income for the state.” The public sector ensures the existence of a framework for reliable economic conditions. “Causing its demise through cuts brings with it the risk of social unrest,” warns Heeger.

Heeger encourages political and social figures alike to reshape their attitudes regarding European social policy and employment law. “Even in times of crisis, the term solidarity must not be allowed to become just another political platitude. The interests of workers and the European social model can only be credibly and successfully defended if companies and employees in the various EU member states act in solidarity with each other,” says Heeger. “The crisis threatens the very social cohesion of Europeans,” worries the CESI Secretary General.

“CESI represents eight million workers at the European level. Our members expect clear answers from us to the most pressing questions in Europe. Here, the credibility of the whole European social model as well as that of the trade unions is at stake. “We must make our contribution to upholding the European social model. In 2012, we shall concentrate our efforts on those questions that determine the future of a social Europe,” says Klaus Heeger.

Klaus Heeger took over the position of CESI Secretary General on 1st January 2012. He succeeds Helmut Müllers, who left the position due to age."