Valencia, 27 November 2023 – Under the slogan Fighting Forward, EFFAT affiliates came together today to launch the first of two working days of the EFFAT Congress in Valencia, a city recently devastated by the catastrophic DANA flooding. The tragedy served as a stark reminder of the urgency of EFFAT’s mission to tackle climate change while protecting workers and communities across Europe.
A Congress Marked by Solidarity
The opening day began with a moment of silence to honour the victims of the recent flooding, which claimed lives and left workers in EFFAT sectors among the hardest hit. The devastation underscored the urgent need for a just transition—one that equips workers to navigate the challenges posed by extreme weather events and the broader impacts of climate change, including a binding legislation on maximum working temperatures.
Chaired by Vice Presidents Andrea Coinu and Pia Stalpaert, the Congress reaffirmed EFFAT’s demand for bold, sustainable policies that prioritize the welfare of workers and their communities.
Kristjan Bragason’s Final Address as Secretary General
Kristjan Bragason was officially discharged from his role as EFFAT Secretary General, marking the end of a successful five-year term.
“When I spoke from this podium five years ago’ he said I couldn’t have imagined the challenges we’d face. Amid these difficulties, we found opportunities to shine a light on our workers’ vulnerabilities, to fight for them—and to win many battles across Europe. Today, EFFAT’s voice has never been more relevant. It has been a remarkable and rewarding journey.”
A Political Vision for the Future
Deputy General Secretary Enrico Somaglia presented EFFAT’s political vision for the next mandate, centered around three core pillars.
- Fighting Forward for the People and the Planet
- Fighting Forward for a Fair Europe for Workers
- Fighting Forward for a Strong EFFAT
“This vision will be guided by our trade union values and our unwavering commitment to international solidarity,” he said.
The Fight for Fairness in Agri-Food and Tourism
A key highlight of the day was a panel discussion on EFFAT’s first political priority: Fighting Forward for the People and the Planet. Speakers Jorge Cavero, Director of CERAI, Sue Longley, General Secretary of the IUF and Peter Schmidt, Section President of the Economic and Social Committee explored the pressing need to reform the agri-food and tourism sectors—industries that play a central role in the global economy yet are plagued by deep inequalities.
Peter Schmidt shed light on corporate dominance, noting that just four multinational corporations control 80% of the world’s food production. He called for taxing these corporations and redistributing resources to benefit workers and communities.
Sue Longley highlighted the parallels between agriculture and tourism, industries where enormous profits are made at the expense of underpaid and precarious labour. She emphasized the need to rethink tourism models to create fairer, more sustainable systems for workers.
Jorge Cavero focused on the disproportionate impacts of climate change on these industries, stressing the importance of protecting natural resources and supporting vulnerable workers, particularly women, who are often the hardest hit.
Moving Forward Together
The Congress will continue tomorrow with discussions on EFFAT’s remaining priorities and the election of the organization’s new leadership.
Highlights of the Day
Please find some pictures of the day here.
