Already among the least working folks in the world, Europeans across the continent are angrily protesting austerity measures that would have them earning less for what work they actually do. Clearly accustomed to a more socialized way of doing things, it’s clear that those protesting do not understand the concept of the business cycle or the ups and downs that naturally occur in national, continental and world economies, instead expecting the government to provide for them regardless of economic conditions. It could serve as a word of warning to countries that are moving to more socialized systems and more government-dependent citizens. And, yes, I’m looking (pointing with a neon sign, actually) at you America.
In Brussels, tens of thousands of demonstrators marched through the streets toward the European Union buildings wearing red, green and blue labor union jackets. Their intent was to increase the pressure on officials that has been brought to bear by Spain’s nationwide strike, the first in that country in eight years. Part of the protests are in response to a EU Commission proposal to institute penalties on member states that have run large deficits, most of which have been created to fund social programs.
Notes Jon Monks, the general secretary of the European Trade Union Confederation, "It is a bizarre time for the European Commission to be proposing a regime of punishment. How is that going to make the situation better? It is going to make it worse." While banks have been bailed out in Europe, union leaders fear that the new EU Commission proposal will unfairly single out workers, noting, "It is not right that people on low salaries have to pay to prop up the country. It should be the banks."
In Brussels, tens of thousands of demonstrators marched through the streets toward the European Union buildings wearing red, green and blue labor union jackets. Their intent was to increase the pressure on officials that has been brought to bear by Spain’s nationwide strike, the first in that country in eight years. Part of the protests are in response to a EU Commission proposal to institute penalties on member states that have run large deficits, most of which have been created to fund social programs.
Notes Jon Monks, the general secretary of the European Trade Union Confederation, "It is a bizarre time for the European Commission to be proposing a regime of punishment. How is that going to make the situation better? It is going to make it worse." While banks have been bailed out in Europe, union leaders fear that the new EU Commission proposal will unfairly single out workers, noting, "It is not right that people on low salaries have to pay to prop up the country. It should be the banks."
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