Thread by @etuc_ces

❗️ Big business and politicians are increasingly using vexatious legal threats known as ‘SLAPPs’ to silence workers and activists across Europe

Most cases are dismissed, withdrawn or settled but not before lengthy processes with huge financial and psychological impacts #SLAPPs

The tactic is being used to prevent legitimate trade union action

In France, three trade union activists were unsuccessfully sued for defamation after having denounced poor working conditions among foreign workers in agriculture

syndicalismehebdo.fr/article/affair…

In Finland, a lawful strike by Finnair workers was cancelled after being subject to a legal challenge by the employer

A court subsequently found the challenge to be illegal. Finnair subsequently paid the union involved 50,000 Euro along with legal costs proliitto.fi/fi/ajankohtais…

In Croatia, public broadcaster HRT opened legal proceedings against the presidents of its journalists’ trade unions between Christmas Day and New Years’ Eve in 2019, seeking 67,000 Euro in fines

europeanjournalists.org/blog/2019/01/2…

Journalists are the top target for SLAPPs

Daphne Caruana Galizia, who was murdered for her investigative journalism, received more than any other individual or organisation

No EU member state has taken action against SLAPPs but @VeraJourova will tomorrow present a draft directive

It's crucial the proposal protects workers' rights

🗣️SLAPP lawsuits are being exploited by businesses to intimidate and attack workers and trade unionists exercising basic democratic rights like the freedom of expression and the right to collective action. This has to end - @IsaSchoemann

🗣️Over the past 2 years, under the far-right government in Slovenia, trade unions and reporters have been attacked with SLAPP lawsuits

This is a tactic to frighten citizens, stop protests and shut down critical thinking. It is jeopardising democracy - @TeaJarc

📰EU must stop the silencing of workers with baseless legal threats #SLAPPs

etuc.org/en/pressreleas…