BEERG Newsletter - Unions: Luca Visentini new ITUC General Secretary

The current General Secretary of the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC), Luca Visentini, has been elected as the new General Secretary of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC). The vote took place at the 5th ITUC World Congress in Melbourne, Australia which was attended by nearly 1,000 trade unionists from over 120 countries. He replaces the Australian, Sharan Burrow. 

After his election, Luca Visentini said: “I feel incredibly proud to have this opportunity to lead the ITUC and to represent the voice of working people on the world stage. Thank you for putting your trust in me. “But I realise that this is a historically difficult time for working people. The world is on the brink of an economic downturn and working people are on the frontline of this. Many people are already living through the consequences. “Peace and democracy are under threat and emerging far right movements are putting human, workers’ and trade union rights at high risk.

“But we know what is needed. The ITUC will lead the call for a new economic model based on a new social contract. We want climate-friendly jobs, workers’ rights, just wages, social protection, equality and inclusion. This must be at the centre of the plans of all governments.

“This is about social justice, peace and survival, and I will not rest in fighting for this for working people. Defending fair living and working conditions for all people is the best way to build democracy and peace all over the world.” Esther Lynch, previously ETUC Deputy General Secretary, has been appointed Acting General Secretary. Esther has a background in the Irish trade union movement.