Esther Lynch
@estherlynch.bsky.social
General Secretary of European Trade Union Confederation posting about work and life in general.
Reposted by Esther Lynch
“If you cannot house your family, then politics feels very distant from you.”
My address to Seanad Éireann today on my work in the EU Parliament on #housing to ensure Europe responds to what people in Dublin need most.
My address to Seanad Éireann today on my work in the EU Parliament on #housing to ensure Europe responds to what people in Dublin need most.
September 23, 2026 at 5:00 PM
“If you cannot house your family, then politics feels very distant from you.”
My address to Seanad Éireann today on my work in the EU Parliament on #housing to ensure Europe responds to what people in Dublin need most.
My address to Seanad Éireann today on my work in the EU Parliament on #housing to ensure Europe responds to what people in Dublin need most.
Reposted by Esther Lynch
Thousands of workers and their unions from across Europe will demonstrate in Brussels this Thursday against the controversial “EU Inc.” law.
Schuman. 10am.
Join us.
Schuman. 10am.
Join us.
Thousands of workers to rally over “EU Inc.” corporate deregulation plan
UNI Europa will join thousands of workers and their unions from across Europe protesting against the controversial “EU Inc.” law in Brussels on 24 September 2026.
www.uni-europa.org
September 22, 2026 at 10:11 AM
Thousands of workers and their unions from across Europe will demonstrate in Brussels this Thursday against the controversial “EU Inc.” law.
Schuman. 10am.
Join us.
Schuman. 10am.
Join us.
Reposted by Esther Lynch
'EU Inc', or the 28th regime, started as an EU project to facilitate the expansion of small companies. Now, trade unions warn it could erode years of hard-earned labour rights.
Unions rally against new ‘EU Inc’ race-to-bottom on labour laws and pay
'EU Inc', or the 28th regime, started as an EU project to facilitate the expansion of small companies. Now, trade unions warn it could erode years of hard-earned labour rights.
euobserver.com
September 23, 2026 at 8:19 AM
'EU Inc', or the 28th regime, started as an EU project to facilitate the expansion of small companies. Now, trade unions warn it could erode years of hard-earned labour rights.
Reposted by Esther Lynch
Unions rally against new ‘EU Inc’ race-to-bottom on labour laws and pay. @etuc 'leading the chase' euobserver.com/239105/union...
Unions rally against new ‘EU Inc’ race-to-bottom on labour laws and pay
'EU Inc', or the 28th regime, started as an EU project to facilitate the expansion of small companies. Now, trade unions warn it could erode years of hard-earned labour rights.
euobserver.com
September 23, 2026 at 9:27 AM
Unions rally against new ‘EU Inc’ race-to-bottom on labour laws and pay. @etuc 'leading the chase' euobserver.com/239105/union...
Reposted by Esther Lynch
‼️ @etuc-ces.bsky.social's @estherlynch.bsky.social ahead of tomorrows's #COMPET @consilium.europa.eu: "Brussels proposal risks race to the bottom on workers’ rights"‼️
#Enoughisenough #FixorSinkEUInc
@belgiumineu.bsky.social @belgiummfa.bsky.social
bsky.app/profile/etuc...
#Enoughisenough #FixorSinkEUInc
@belgiumineu.bsky.social @belgiummfa.bsky.social
bsky.app/profile/etuc...
Imagine trying to live in Belgium while being paid the minimum wage in Bulgaria. The sums just wouldn’t add up
Yet this scenario could become a reality under the EU Commission’s loophole-ridden ‘EU Inc' proposal - ✍️ @estherlynch.bsky.social
www.brusselstimes.com/opinion/2329...
Yet this scenario could become a reality under the EU Commission’s loophole-ridden ‘EU Inc' proposal - ✍️ @estherlynch.bsky.social
www.brusselstimes.com/opinion/2329...
Brussels proposal risks race to the bottom on workers’ rights
www.brusselstimes.com
September 23, 2026 at 3:21 PM
‼️ @etuc-ces.bsky.social's @estherlynch.bsky.social ahead of tomorrows's #COMPET @consilium.europa.eu: "Brussels proposal risks race to the bottom on workers’ rights"‼️
#Enoughisenough #FixorSinkEUInc
@belgiumineu.bsky.social @belgiummfa.bsky.social
bsky.app/profile/etuc...
#Enoughisenough #FixorSinkEUInc
@belgiumineu.bsky.social @belgiummfa.bsky.social
bsky.app/profile/etuc...
Reposted by Esther Lynch
Imagine trying to live in Belgium while being paid the minimum wage in Bulgaria. The sums just wouldn’t add up
Yet this scenario could become a reality under the EU Commission’s loophole-ridden ‘EU Inc' proposal - ✍️ @estherlynch.bsky.social
www.brusselstimes.com/opinion/2329...
Yet this scenario could become a reality under the EU Commission’s loophole-ridden ‘EU Inc' proposal - ✍️ @estherlynch.bsky.social
www.brusselstimes.com/opinion/2329...
Brussels proposal risks race to the bottom on workers’ rights
www.brusselstimes.com
September 23, 2026 at 9:45 AM
Imagine trying to live in Belgium while being paid the minimum wage in Bulgaria. The sums just wouldn’t add up
Yet this scenario could become a reality under the EU Commission’s loophole-ridden ‘EU Inc' proposal - ✍️ @estherlynch.bsky.social
www.brusselstimes.com/opinion/2329...
Yet this scenario could become a reality under the EU Commission’s loophole-ridden ‘EU Inc' proposal - ✍️ @estherlynch.bsky.social
www.brusselstimes.com/opinion/2329...
Reposted by Esther Lynch
🚨‘EU Inc’ risks undercutting national labour rights and starting a race to the bottom across Europe
That's why the ETUC and its Belgian trade unions are calling a demonstration in Brussels to tell EU leaders to 'fix it or sink it'
📰 www.etuc.org/en/pressrele...
That's why the ETUC and its Belgian trade unions are calling a demonstration in Brussels to tell EU leaders to 'fix it or sink it'
📰 www.etuc.org/en/pressrele...
September 10, 2026 at 8:34 AM
🚨‘EU Inc’ risks undercutting national labour rights and starting a race to the bottom across Europe
That's why the ETUC and its Belgian trade unions are calling a demonstration in Brussels to tell EU leaders to 'fix it or sink it'
📰 www.etuc.org/en/pressrele...
That's why the ETUC and its Belgian trade unions are calling a demonstration in Brussels to tell EU leaders to 'fix it or sink it'
📰 www.etuc.org/en/pressrele...
Reposted by Esther Lynch
Raising interest rates is irresponsible when ECB data shows demand is falling because working people do not have money to spend
This will add pressure on workers already suffering a prolonged cost-of-living crisis and put jobs at risk by driving down demand further
📰 www.etuc.org/en/pressrele...
This will add pressure on workers already suffering a prolonged cost-of-living crisis and put jobs at risk by driving down demand further
📰 www.etuc.org/en/pressrele...
September 10, 2026 at 2:07 PM
Raising interest rates is irresponsible when ECB data shows demand is falling because working people do not have money to spend
This will add pressure on workers already suffering a prolonged cost-of-living crisis and put jobs at risk by driving down demand further
📰 www.etuc.org/en/pressrele...
This will add pressure on workers already suffering a prolonged cost-of-living crisis and put jobs at risk by driving down demand further
📰 www.etuc.org/en/pressrele...
Reposted by Esther Lynch
The Pay Transparency Directive was due across the EU over 100 days ago. Yet 22 member states are dragging their feet and women workers pay the price.
On #InternationalEqualPayDay, we call on the Commission to start infringement on late runners. Equal pay is not optional -it's time to deliver it!
On #InternationalEqualPayDay, we call on the Commission to start infringement on late runners. Equal pay is not optional -it's time to deliver it!
September 18, 2026 at 9:32 AM
The Pay Transparency Directive was due across the EU over 100 days ago. Yet 22 member states are dragging their feet and women workers pay the price.
On #InternationalEqualPayDay, we call on the Commission to start infringement on late runners. Equal pay is not optional -it's time to deliver it!
On #InternationalEqualPayDay, we call on the Commission to start infringement on late runners. Equal pay is not optional -it's time to deliver it!
Reposted by Esther Lynch
Working people are living with unprecedented insecurity, They deserved to hear about a real plan for their future today at @vonderleyen.ec.europa.eu #SOTEU
But they did not hear today that the EU is ready to deliver a solution to the cost-of-living and growing jobs crisis.
But they did not hear today that the EU is ready to deliver a solution to the cost-of-living and growing jobs crisis.
September 16, 2026 at 11:57 AM
Working people are living with unprecedented insecurity, They deserved to hear about a real plan for their future today at @vonderleyen.ec.europa.eu #SOTEU
But they did not hear today that the EU is ready to deliver a solution to the cost-of-living and growing jobs crisis.
But they did not hear today that the EU is ready to deliver a solution to the cost-of-living and growing jobs crisis.
Reposted by Esther Lynch
"The most effective answer to the far right is a fair deal for workers, delivered in reality."
Speaking at the @tuc.org.uk Congress in Brighton, ETUC General Secretary @estherlynch.bsky.social set out what political leaders serious about defending democracy must do next.
#TUC2026
Speaking at the @tuc.org.uk Congress in Brighton, ETUC General Secretary @estherlynch.bsky.social set out what political leaders serious about defending democracy must do next.
#TUC2026
September 14, 2026 at 12:49 PM
"The most effective answer to the far right is a fair deal for workers, delivered in reality."
Speaking at the @tuc.org.uk Congress in Brighton, ETUC General Secretary @estherlynch.bsky.social set out what political leaders serious about defending democracy must do next.
#TUC2026
Speaking at the @tuc.org.uk Congress in Brighton, ETUC General Secretary @estherlynch.bsky.social set out what political leaders serious about defending democracy must do next.
#TUC2026
Reposted by Esther Lynch
🗣️ ETUC General Secretary @estherlynch.bsky.social: "Giving the Labour Authority the power to open its own investigations into cross-border exploitation is a vital improvement. Instead of waiting to be called in, ELA can help identify rogue employers before the damage is done."
September 15, 2026 at 3:06 PM
🗣️ ETUC General Secretary @estherlynch.bsky.social: "Giving the Labour Authority the power to open its own investigations into cross-border exploitation is a vital improvement. Instead of waiting to be called in, ELA can help identify rogue employers before the damage is done."
Reposted by Esther Lynch
Speech by @estherlynch.bsky.social General Secretary to @tuc.org.uk Congress www.tuc.org.uk/congress2026...
ETUC General Secretary Esther Lynch's speech to Congress 2026
Esther Lynch's speech to TUC Congress 2026.
www.tuc.org.uk
September 14, 2026 at 12:12 PM
Speech by @estherlynch.bsky.social General Secretary to @tuc.org.uk Congress www.tuc.org.uk/congress2026...
Reposted by Esther Lynch
The crackdown on short-term can only be the start of the EU's action on housing
We need equally serious commitments on building homes, curbing speculation, and making sure pay keeps pace with the cost of living
📰 www.etuc.org/en/pressrele...
We need equally serious commitments on building homes, curbing speculation, and making sure pay keeps pace with the cost of living
📰 www.etuc.org/en/pressrele...
September 9, 2026 at 11:30 AM
The crackdown on short-term can only be the start of the EU's action on housing
We need equally serious commitments on building homes, curbing speculation, and making sure pay keeps pace with the cost of living
📰 www.etuc.org/en/pressrele...
We need equally serious commitments on building homes, curbing speculation, and making sure pay keeps pace with the cost of living
📰 www.etuc.org/en/pressrele...
Reposted by Esther Lynch
Giving public contracts worth 2 Trillion Euro a year to the lowest bidder has created a race to the bottom
The Public Procurement Act launched today opens the way for fairer pay and better services but there is still work to be done
📰 www.etuc.org/en/pressrele...
The Public Procurement Act launched today opens the way for fairer pay and better services but there is still work to be done
📰 www.etuc.org/en/pressrele...
September 9, 2026 at 11:51 AM
Giving public contracts worth 2 Trillion Euro a year to the lowest bidder has created a race to the bottom
The Public Procurement Act launched today opens the way for fairer pay and better services but there is still work to be done
📰 www.etuc.org/en/pressrele...
The Public Procurement Act launched today opens the way for fairer pay and better services but there is still work to be done
📰 www.etuc.org/en/pressrele...
Reposted by Esther Lynch
Workplace stress causes 10,000 deaths a year in Europe
MEPs told the Commission today that they must bring forward binding legislation to deal with this stress epidemic
📰 www.etuc.org/en/pressrele...
MEPs told the Commission today that they must bring forward binding legislation to deal with this stress epidemic
📰 www.etuc.org/en/pressrele...
September 2, 2026 at 2:07 PM
Workplace stress causes 10,000 deaths a year in Europe
MEPs told the Commission today that they must bring forward binding legislation to deal with this stress epidemic
📰 www.etuc.org/en/pressrele...
MEPs told the Commission today that they must bring forward binding legislation to deal with this stress epidemic
📰 www.etuc.org/en/pressrele...
Reposted by Esther Lynch
At a time when Mario Draghi says the EU needs to increase investment by 800bn a year, Europe is shooting itself in the foot by pulling the plug on the Recovery Fund with nothing to take its place
📰 www.etuc.org/en/pressrele...
📰 www.etuc.org/en/pressrele...
August 31, 2026 at 1:52 PM
At a time when Mario Draghi says the EU needs to increase investment by 800bn a year, Europe is shooting itself in the foot by pulling the plug on the Recovery Fund with nothing to take its place
📰 www.etuc.org/en/pressrele...
📰 www.etuc.org/en/pressrele...
Reposted by Esther Lynch
Von der Leyen’s State of the Union Must Speak to Workers, Not CEOs ✍️ @estherlynch.bsky.social
www.socialeurope.eu/von-der-leye...
www.socialeurope.eu/von-der-leye...
Von der Leyen’s State of the Union Must Speak to Workers, Not CEOs
Europe spends €2 trillion a year on public contracts, most awarded to the lowest bidder, fuelling precarious work.
www.socialeurope.eu
September 2, 2026 at 8:20 AM
Von der Leyen’s State of the Union Must Speak to Workers, Not CEOs ✍️ @estherlynch.bsky.social
www.socialeurope.eu/von-der-leye...
www.socialeurope.eu/von-der-leye...
Reposted by Esther Lynch
‼️"As Europe burns, MS are actually slashing the number of #firefighters - thanks to EU deficit rules"✍️ @estherlynch.bsky.social‼️
@belgiummfa.bsky.social @saskiabricmont.bsky.social #EstelleCeulemans @yvanverougstraete.bsky.social @botengam.bsky.social
bsky.app/profile/euob...
@belgiummfa.bsky.social @saskiabricmont.bsky.social #EstelleCeulemans @yvanverougstraete.bsky.social @botengam.bsky.social
bsky.app/profile/euob...
New EU data shows that in the worst year on record for wildfires, the number of professional firefighters in Europe fell by 18,000. That included a reduction of over 4,000 in France alone.
As Europe burns, member states are actually slashing the number of fire-fighters – thanks to EU deficit rules
New EU data shows that in the worst year on record for wildfires, the number of professional firefighters in Europe fell by 18,000. That included a reduction of over 4,000 in France alone.
euobserver.com
August 25, 2026 at 12:29 PM
‼️"As Europe burns, MS are actually slashing the number of #firefighters - thanks to EU deficit rules"✍️ @estherlynch.bsky.social‼️
@belgiummfa.bsky.social @saskiabricmont.bsky.social #EstelleCeulemans @yvanverougstraete.bsky.social @botengam.bsky.social
bsky.app/profile/euob...
@belgiummfa.bsky.social @saskiabricmont.bsky.social #EstelleCeulemans @yvanverougstraete.bsky.social @botengam.bsky.social
bsky.app/profile/euob...
Low pay and increasing costs for essentials create financial stress that turns holidays into a source of worry instead of a time of relaxation and recuperation. Time for the EU to focus on some real problems.
After working hard all year, it is the least working people should be able to expect to afford, but every year it looks more like becoming a luxury for the few - @estherlynch.bsky.social
www.euronews.com/my-europe/20...
www.euronews.com/my-europe/20...
How many EU citizens are unable to afford a holiday away?
The number of EU citizens who can afford a week off varies across the bloc, with the rising costs of accommodation, transport, and food cited as reasons for holiday poverty. #EuropeInMotion
www.euronews.com
August 12, 2026 at 10:53 AM
Low pay and increasing costs for essentials create financial stress that turns holidays into a source of worry instead of a time of relaxation and recuperation. Time for the EU to focus on some real problems.
Reposted by Esther Lynch
🔴New EU data reveals the number of firefighters in the EU was cut by 18,000 last year - the worst year on record for wildfires
"This is austerity setting fire to common sense and putting lives, livelihoods and homes at risk" - @estherlynch.bsky.social
📰 www.etuc.org/en/pressrele...
"This is austerity setting fire to common sense and putting lives, livelihoods and homes at risk" - @estherlynch.bsky.social
📰 www.etuc.org/en/pressrele...
August 10, 2026 at 1:53 PM
🔴New EU data reveals the number of firefighters in the EU was cut by 18,000 last year - the worst year on record for wildfires
"This is austerity setting fire to common sense and putting lives, livelihoods and homes at risk" - @estherlynch.bsky.social
📰 www.etuc.org/en/pressrele...
"This is austerity setting fire to common sense and putting lives, livelihoods and homes at risk" - @estherlynch.bsky.social
📰 www.etuc.org/en/pressrele...
Reposted by Esther Lynch
An immigrant doesn’t stand between you and a good job. A billionaire does.
July 23, 2026 at 7:05 PM
An immigrant doesn’t stand between you and a good job. A billionaire does.
Our message to LGBTIQ colleagues and members, you are not alone we stand together. Our message to governments and employers you need to do more to protect LGBTIQ workers in the street and in the workplace. Our answer to those who attack us, hatred will not win, PRIDE.
etuc.org/en/document/...
etuc.org/en/document/...
etuc.org
July 27, 2026 at 3:19 PM
Our message to LGBTIQ colleagues and members, you are not alone we stand together. Our message to governments and employers you need to do more to protect LGBTIQ workers in the street and in the workplace. Our answer to those who attack us, hatred will not win, PRIDE.
etuc.org/en/document/...
etuc.org/en/document/...
Reposted by Esther Lynch
ETUC General Secretary @estherlynch.bsky.social 📢
"Today's announcement leaves governments with no excuses not to invest in the social supports and training which are crucial to the futures of millions of workers, companies and the economy as a whole."
"Today's announcement leaves governments with no excuses not to invest in the social supports and training which are crucial to the futures of millions of workers, companies and the economy as a whole."
July 27, 2026 at 11:14 AM
ETUC General Secretary @estherlynch.bsky.social 📢
"Today's announcement leaves governments with no excuses not to invest in the social supports and training which are crucial to the futures of millions of workers, companies and the economy as a whole."
"Today's announcement leaves governments with no excuses not to invest in the social supports and training which are crucial to the futures of millions of workers, companies and the economy as a whole."
Reposted by Esther Lynch
We're calling on member states to bring trade unions into the room when designing national plans.
"The most effective way to deliver change is through social dialogue." – @estherlynch.bsky.social
📄 Full press release: www.etuc.org/en/pressrele...
"The most effective way to deliver change is through social dialogue." – @estherlynch.bsky.social
📄 Full press release: www.etuc.org/en/pressrele...
www.etuc.org
July 27, 2026 at 11:14 AM
We're calling on member states to bring trade unions into the room when designing national plans.
"The most effective way to deliver change is through social dialogue." – @estherlynch.bsky.social
📄 Full press release: www.etuc.org/en/pressrele...
"The most effective way to deliver change is through social dialogue." – @estherlynch.bsky.social
📄 Full press release: www.etuc.org/en/pressrele...