Solidarity with the demonstrations: Croatia Together for Higher Wages and Pensions

On behalf of the Workers’ Group of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), I express our full solidarity with the Croatian trade union movement and with all workers, pensioners and citizens who will take to the streets of Zagreb on Saturday 18th. 

Social justice, dignity at work and a decent life in old age must be at the heart of economic and social policy. Fair wages, decent pensions, stronger collective bargaining, affordable housing, lower costs of essential goods, stronger domestic production and effective measures to combat corruption should be pillars of our societies. Economic progress cannot be built upon poverty and inequality.

Your mobilisation reflects the concern across Europe about the worsening social and economic situation affecting working people and pensioners. Rising costs of living, insufficient wage growth (when not a straight decrease after inflation), and pensions that do not ensure a dignified life are eroding social cohesion, weakening trust in institutions and undermining the European social model. 

Your struggle is also the struggle of workers and citizens across Europe. We will do our best to amplify your voices and ensure your demands are also heard at the European level. 

In solidarity,

Lucie Studničná

EESC Workers' Group President