The manifestation against precarity started with a colourful protest march, accompanied by drum music, from Place St. Josse to the venue “Salle Claridge”. Numerous representatives from parties, trade unions, local left-wing associations, and many workers, students, sans-papiers and sympathisers joined the following debate about precarious working conditions in Europe, repercussions of the financial crisis, and possible solutions and alternatives given by the European Left and leftist movements in favour of another, equal and social economic system. Graziella Mascia, vice president of the European Left, and Miguel Portas, member of the European Parliament, were amongst the speakers.

The four-hour debate focused on the negative labour perspectives, low wages and pensions, lack of social security, immigrants and workers rights and the regulation of the international financial and bank system. The explanation of the Irish NO vote against the Lisbon Treaty gave an incentive to discuss the democratic deficit of the EU and our opposition to the militarization of Europe. The event made clear that the people in Europe are very concerned about the future; they don’t see any positive perspectives, and many are facing uncertainty and poverty today. Based upon this and several other initiatives promoted by social movements and leftist parties in Europe, we have to increase the protest - and reclaim a better life!

Please find the agenda of the meeting here and an overview about the initiatives of the EL Campaign against Precarity here .