Self-managed activities by Global Social Justice

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13:00-15:30

Commons and re-production : Emancipation space

Global financial institutions are now promoting their kind of ‘social protection’: a minimalist programme, targeted to the poor with purely economic objectives and totally compatible with neoliberalism. Till now, all over the world, most reactions are limited to a defence of the status quo, that is the old welfare states. However, these old systems do not satisfy all current needs anymore, especially with the important changes in the economic system.

In this workshop, we want to discuss the alternatives: social commons, a participatory and democratic way to decide on social protection and public services, the universal socialized wage and basic income, a simple system of equal allowances for all.

Speakers: Francine Mestrum (Global Social Justice), Silke Helfrich (Commons Strategy Group, Germany), Christian Pilichowsky (Transform!, trade unionist), Bernhard Despineux (FGTB, Belgian trade union).

09:00-11:30

 Social Protection and public services; Emancipation space, 10 August, 9-11.30

In spite of all current changes in the way of thinking on social protection, no one denies the right of all to the achievement of all economic and social rights, universal health care, education and other social services. How can we promote them in a context of privatization of public services? How to raise awareness on  the need of universal services?

In this workshop, we want to hear different experiences of social struggles, participation and consultation and examine how social protection can be ‘modernized’ in favour of all citizens.

Speakers: Francine Mestrum (Global Social Justice), Katie Robbins (PHM, US), Emilie Robert (McGill University), Vittorio Agnoletto (Milan University, former MEP), Judith Benda (die Linke, Germany), Theodora Kotsaka (Nikos Poulantzas Institute, Greece), Yves Hellendorff (CSC, Belgian trade union).