Trade unions

Health news

Trade unions push for EU law to address menopause at work

The European Trade Union Confederation wants menopause enshrined in EU workplace legislation, as the European Parliament examines the issue and the Commission stops short of proposing a dedicated strategy.

17 October 2026

Europe News

Ex-Ilva steelworkers to strike as shutdown threatens thousands of jobs

Acciaierie d'Italia has announced a suspension of production in Taranto pending a ruling from Italy's Supreme Court of Cassation, with plants in Genoa and Novi Ligure also set to shut down temporarily by 15 November.

9 October 2026

Europe News

Maricarmen, symbol of Spain's housing protests, dies

The 87-year-old woman had withstood four eviction attempts in the past decade. In a final message from her hospital bed, she urged protesters: "Fight!"

7 October 2026

Europe News

Spain protesters vow to continue sit-in against rising housing costs

The demonstrators set up around 100 tents in the capital's busy Puerta del Sol square after tens of thousands took to the streets on Saturday to demand action to lower housing costs and protect tenants.

28 September 2026

Europe News

Unions protest EU Inc law over labour rights

Unions say the Brussels plan to make it easier to start businesses across Europe could undermine national labour rights and standards.

24 September 2026

Business

Volkswagen risks 'major conflict' with staff over cost-cutting drive

Chief Executive Oliver Blume is considering cutting 100,000 jobs worldwide, around 16% of Volkswagen's global workforce, and closing three Volkswagen plants in Germany as well as one Audi factory,

9 July 2026

Travel News

German pilots’ union announces further strikes at Lufthansa this week

The latest round of strike action continues a recent trend of travel disruptions at Germany’s busiest hubs, throwing passenger journeys into uncertainty.

15 April 2026

France

France bets on new nuclear reactors and renewables to power its future

The government is preparing to publish a key energy roadmap, aiming for 60% electricity consumption by 2030, with six new nuclear reactors and a mix of renewable energies.

10 February 2026

Business

Société Générale shares rise after announcement of 1,800 job cuts

Société Générale is planning 1,800 job cuts in France through "natural attrition", a move unions say was presented after key employment safeguards were dismantled.

22 January 2026

Culture news

Nicolas Sarkozy meets anger at Lyon book signing

The former French President was in Lyon on Thursday to sign his latest book at a Fnac shop. On the sidelines of his visit, the CGT trade union, which is critical of management's political choices, organised a rally outside the store.

8 January 2026

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Protests erupt in La Paz over Bolivia's fuel subsidy cuts

Bolivia sees protests in La Paz after fuel subsidy cuts doubled prices. Workers marched for days as clashes broke out and talks with the government stalled.

6 January 2026

Culture news

Fresh strike at Louvre museum as workers walkout over conditions

The strike initially launched last month was suspended over the festive period, but staff have now voted overwhelmingly to walkout over working conditions leaving the world's most visited museum partially open.

6 January 2026

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Hundreds join strike in Rome against 2026 budget plans

Hundreds in Rome protested against Italy’s 2026 budget, demanding more investment in public services over defence, disrupting transport and healthcare.

12 December 2025

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Portugal braces for general strike against new labour regulations

Portugal prepares for its first general strike in 12 years on Thursday as unions protest labour reforms expected to disrupt transport, schools, hospitals and other services.

10 December 2025

Belgium

What to expect as Belgium goes on strike for third day in a row

Belgium faced major disruptions since Monday as trade unions staged a three-day strike against government austerity measures, affecting public transport, airports and ports.

26 November 2025

Business

Uzbekistan strengthens labour rights through union-led reforms

Uzbekistan’s trade unions mark 120 years of operation, by taking the lead in labour reform, pushing for equal pay, safer workplaces, and stronger employee rights.

6 November 2025