Brussels, 18 June 2008: The ITUC has joined the European Trade Union Confederation in calling on the European Union to respect the fundamental rights of migrants. The ETUC has written to the members of the European Parliament in the lead up to a vote on 18 June on the so-called “Returns Directive” which, if adopted, would introduce a number of measures which the trade union organisations deem unacceptable. Amongst these are provisions concerning the length of detention of “irregular” migrants, a 5-year ban on re-entry to Europe of persons who have been removed, and forced returns of migrants to countries other than their country of origin.

“Globalisation, economic liberalisation and deregulation have and will continue to drive workers to leave their countries to seek employment elsewhere due to the lack of economic development, unemployment and poverty. It is critically important that migration policies are in line with ILO Conventions and the United Nations migration convention,” said ITUC General Secretary Guy Ryder.

For the full text of the ETUC statement, please click here

The ITUC represents 168 million workers in 155 countries and territories and has 311 national affiliates.

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