All over Europe, workers are rising.
In the past year, we’ve seen record inflation, skyrocketing cost of living, and an energy crisis while wages stagnate. It is no surprise that millions of workers are struggling to make ends meet. The gap between rich and poor is bigger than four decades ago. One-fifth of the EU’s population is at risk of poverty or social exclusion – including 20 million children. Meanwhile, more and more people are forced to rely on foodbanks, and are facing energy poverty and even homelessness.
But not everyone is feeling the pinch. Record profits for energy companies and a new billionaire created every 30 hours. According to Oxfam, the world’s ten richest men have amassed more wealth than the poorest 40% of humanity — 3.1 billion people — combined. To earn what the top 1% earn in one year – the average worker would need to work for 112 years.
This is not just a cost of living crisis. This is also a greed crisis and workers are leading the charge to end it.
Whether this is against unjust pension reforms, demands for a pay rise and better working conditions, or in the case of digital platform workers – recognition that they are employees – workers from France to Poland and from Portugal to Greece are rising up. The movement is growing. Trade unions are coming together and protestors of all generations are showing up for each other and taking to the streets.
On May 1, The Left in the European Parliament will join the International Workers’ Day celebrations in Brussels. From 13:00, we will be at Jardin du Mont des Arts and will be happy to see you there.
Change happens when workers stand up for their rights. It’s time to raise wages and tax the rich!