Speech by Agostino Siciliano, General Secretary of FERPA, at the ETUC demonstration in Strasbourg

Speech by Agostino Siciliano, General Secretary of FERPA, at the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) demonstration in Strasbourg on 20 October 2026

Dear friends and comrades,

FERPA – the European Federation of Retired and Older People – is here to demand quality jobs for women and men, because a quality job today guarantees a good pension tomorrow.

We are here to defend, together, the rights of workers, pensioners – former workers – and young people.

We are here to defend collective bargaining, decent pensions, an effective public healthcare system and quality housing for all citizens, regardless of their age, as well as the purchasing power of wages and pensions.

If those in power, in Europe or in individual countries, are considering rolling back these rights, let them know that we will always respond with struggle and intergenerational solidarity that will make us stronger.