Quote of the week by Iratxe García, S&D Group president
“This year, 1st May is not like any other year. More than 50 million Europeans are at risk of losing their jobs. In this situation, it is of utmost importance to defend strong unions and collective bargaining. Only together can we ensure that the most vulnerable employees are not forced to give up their rights or put their lives at risk. It is not enough to just applaud health workers, supermarket cashiers, cleaning staff, truck drivers and other workers that ensure our safety and well-being during this crisis. They deserve proper working conditions and decent salaries.”
The usual 1st May marches and rallies will not be possible this year, but our spirit of solidarity and progressive values are more important than ever.
At an online event hosted by the Party of European Socialists (PES), S&D President Iratxe García will represent the Group to talk about Progressives leading the recovery, alongside a number of S&D Leaders, the President of the European Parliament David Sassoli and the S&D Commissioners.
You can follow the livestream tomorrow at 5pm to hear how progressive leaders are working to achieve a recovery that makes Europe fairer and more sustainable for everyone. Our friends at the European Trade Union Confederation are also going digital with their 1st May activity.
You can get involved in #1MaySolidarity and keep up-to-date on all our reactions to next week’s events on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Next week, the S&D Group will be following the Commission’s adoption of the Recovery Plan to ensure Europe leads the way in building resilient, equal and inclusive societies. The Commission will adopt its plan after an exchange of views between political Group leaders and President von der Leyen on Tuesday 5 May.
Next week, we will also be marking the 70th anniversary of the Schuman declaration, which laid the foundations for the EU as we know it today. Stay tuned for more information on how we will be recognising this special occasion.
Core activities of the Parliament and the S&D Group continue next week. There will be a remote Group meeting for all S&D MEPs on Tuesday 5 May with the participation of S&D Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič.
There will also be a videoconference of S&D Bureau members on Wednesday 6 May.
Throughout the week, S&D MEPs will also be preparing for the plenary session set to take place starting Wednesday 13 May.
