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TUAC written contribution to OECD Ministerial on Regional Policy and Innovation, 31 March
TUAC's input to the meeting at the Ministerial level of the Territorial Development Policy Committee focussing on growth and innovation for regions, on 31 March, as well as the Forum preceding the Ministerial on 30 March in Paris.

31/03/2009

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  • 0903t_gf_tdpcpdf

Highlights:

  • The OECD Ministerial should commit to ensuring that regional policy is fully integrated into the on-going recovery plans with maximum and immediate impact on jobs and household purchasing power. OECD Public Governance and Territorial Development staff should closely monitor the design and implementation of the stimulus packages with a view to ensuring maximum impact at the regional level.
  • Active labour market policies are key to regional competitiveness. In contrast lowering the standards for workers’ rights will not help those regions lagging behind.
  • The promotion of ‘Decent and Green’ jobs creates synergies between fighting unemployment and protecting the environment, particularly in the context of recovery packages. In addition, policies aimed at combating climate change provide opportunities for rethinking urban-rural linkages, for promoting sustainable and local modes of production and revitalising regional economies.
  • The OECD Ministerial should reaffirm its commitment to protecting national tax bases and ensuring solid public financing of local government that is fair and sustainable.
  • Public services and targeted policies meeting the needs of working families, including housing and financial services, should be central in regional policy development.
  • Local leadership is intricately linked to vibrant local democracy and accountability. Privileged dialogue between local elected officials and private businesses creates an un-healthy environment. Regional policy should integrate participative approaches that put equal weight on each of the core constituencies of private sector and civil society, including trade unions.