First of all it is crucial to attempt to offer a definition of the term "solidarity".
The term "solidarity" is based on the idea of a feeling of togetherness,based on close ties, and in our context - ties between the young and the older generation.

These ties provide a strict and formal basis for identification, which, in turn leads to a willingness to provide mutual assistance.

Surely solidarity between generations can also occur in the public sector via the institutional arrangements of social security which is commonly referred to as the "generational contract".

In this context, we believe that the diversity of culture and participation in the running of our society between the various society generations should be viewed from different angles and different perspectives.

Statements like "solidarity between generations" are universal concepts and as such should become universal issues.

Solidarity promotes protection and security.

A nation, a class, a family etc requires the solidarity of its members to survive, to ensure its safety from outside predators, to secure its welfare.

This implies specific forms of organisation, an allocation of responsibilities and a system of rewards and sanctions. In this elementary sense, solidarity especially amongst the generations, is one of the most fundamental social requirements and there is no society without solidarity.

Solidarity also connotes the cohesion of a group of people sharing common conditions and common interests and co-operating to improve their position in society.

This active form of solidarity, at the national and international levels, has been the vehicle for much progress in the human condition and for a11 movements towards more equality and social justice.

Solidarity with future generations is a value which has reappeared in cultures dominated by short term economic gains and policies, and which was prompted by the damages done to the environment.

In less materialistic and less impatient cultures, the transmission to the young generation of both social mores and a hospitable physical milieu has remained a central preoccupation.

The proposal made in the United Nations to include in every important negotiation and debate a person appointed to represent the interests of future generations, might be worth considering.

Solidarity has a strong emotional appeal and is amenable to political leadership. As such, it can be used as a mobilising force for a number of worthwhile causes. Young people have a particular capacity to experience solidarity, which expresses the dynamism of the young generation.

As many values, solidarity can be distorted and perverted.

However, in our case the concept of solidarity has gained prominence. For it is now clear and accepted that social issues of whatever kind and substance require a common policy based upon mutual understanding and efforts.

Problems of unemployment for example, which require generational co-operation should be based on mutuality of interest between the generations, partnership and fairness in the elaboration and implementation of any action programs geared towards fighting social exclusion of whatever form.

For this school of thought, solidarity between the generation evokes, mutual understanding, co-operation and the adoption of mutual beliefs and principles.

Another view is that, indeed, solidarity cannot be a substitute for the struggle for fair economic arrangements and for economic justice: there is room for both. As in relations between social groups and classes in a national setting, even the best and most equitable world economic order would not eliminate situations requiring the expression of solidarity.

Moreover, while there is indeed a contradiction between economic justice and solidarity, because solidarity implies inequalities, it can be a useful contradiction.

To keep a tension between two poles of international co-operation for development enables the partners to find room for manoeuvre, negotiation and progress. Of course, this is possible only if a clear distinction is kept between these two modes of co-operation.

Overall, solidarity, while being a value in itself because no human being can live in isolation, has to be always seen and assessed in relation with its raison d' etre and objectives.

Perhaps even more decisively, and with less possible ambiguities, the value of solidarity ought to be assessed in relation with the attitude and behaviour of those who are, individually and collectively, partners in solidarity.

Willingness to exchange, humility to accept criticism, ability for self evaluation, interest in the views and cultures of others, are, in addition to the capacity to give, necessary ingredients for a true culture of solidarity.

It is because of these basic moral norms, valid for individuals as well as for institutions, that there is a continuum between various forms and expressions of solidarity.

For example, there is a clear correlation between the willingness and capacity of a country to build solidarity among its citizens, and the interest of the same country to show solidarity at the international level.

Ultimately the one - individual, group or nation - who gives, for whom solidarity has in traditional terms, a cost, is made richer- morally, intellectually and spiritually - by the very act of giving.

It is our view that when one tries to elaborate on the issue, many topics need to be analysed and examined.

Solidarity between generational not only is a complex issue, but rather is a dynamic concept which influences our society in many ways.

Such a topic,is indeed very difficult to approach.

In this sense, many analysts have attempted to view the issue from many different perspectives.

For example the relevant scientific literature tries to tackle the topic from many diverse angles:

Class exploitation, class solidarity, demographic and social structures, finance, division between central and local responsibility, distribution between public, private and voluntary sector provision, mobility and
transport, housing, employment, education and leisure, health and social welfare, cross - generational issues, as disability and ethnic minority issues, are only some of the topics that have been used in order to provide explanations for the topic under discussion.

After 40 years of European integration many believe, that there is still no social Europe worthy of name. One which would create jobs, generate cohesion, harmonise social rights, while maintaining the improvements made to social dumping and help the excluded into society and work, which must include the senior citizens of the member states.

It is indeed scandalous to note, a year away from the millennium that the contributions made to society by senior citizens have met with indifference by society.

For example one can easily note that our efforts to pursue a community commitment to ensure that the socially excluded ageing community are given their rightful place in the name of European civilisation and progress has not been a very successful task.

However at the same time it must be stressed that the European Union has been concerned - up to a certain degree with the problems of elderly citizens for a long time and the climax of debates and discussions on these issues was the designated year of Older People and Solidarity between the generations in 1993.

For us, in Cyprus the whole question of solidarity between the generations will assume greater relevance in the coming years, especially in the way other European countries tackle the issue, considering our decision to join the Union, which basically will mean that we will have to reconsider our own distinctive cultural traditions on the issue, in line with the situation prevailing in Europe.

Before going into details, let us cast a glance at the environment we refer to
as Europe.
 

High levels of unemployment especially amongst the young generation, the creation of a new world order, economic strains in nearly a11 European countries, privatisation of nearly a11 public companies, a dismantling of welfarism, social exclusion, poverty are only some of the negative prevailing
factors.

The benefits, both real and projected, during the 1960's and 1970's, have a11 now been put aside during the 1980's and 1990's.

When we are talking about solidarity and generations we can not avoid talking about the forthcoming generations and the environment - urban, political, social and economic which we a11 playing a part in constructing and the context for this environment is the value and beliefs systems we are engendering.

This is why any approaches to frame public policy issues should be based on the understanding that the relationship between the generations is characterised by interdependence and reciprocity.

Policy issues are examined by looking at the impact across the entire life span.

Policies which are supportive of the long-term welfare of any age groups must build on the common concerns of a11 generations. Generations share basic needs.

People of a11 ages need adequate income, access to quality health care and social services, educational and employment opportunities and a safe place to live.

Examining public policy issues using an intergenerational approach means asking questions such as:

Is the policy sensitive to intergenerational social structures?

Are people of a11 ages being viewed as resources?

If the policy is age-based, is it appropriate?

Is there a common stake for a11 generations?

Is one general unfairly being used to help another?

Does the policy promote the interdependence of the generations?

Does the policy encourage intergenerational transfers through shared care or services?

Historically, the family with its extended network was responsible for the various nurturing, educational and economic functions required to maintain and support of its members.

Over the course of the last century, however, Europe has become highly segregated by age. Family functions have been assumed by a range of age-specific institutions.

Children attend age-segregated schools, adults work in environments without children and adults over 65, older adults live in age-segregated housing, and both children and older persons are cared for by age-segregated services.

As a result, the old do not have relationships with the young the young do not understand their elders or the ageing process.

For the past decade, European families, youth and children have a11 struggled with the severe cutbacks in essential health and social programs. the myths and stereotypes that result from separating the generations in combination with shrinking resources fosters tension between the generations.
 

Surely Europe is a multi-racial, multi-cultural and indeed multi generational continent which has drawn its differing ageing populations on the extension of the life expectancy figures.

While it is clear that different member states, particularly the UK and the Netherlands, have been approaching the subject of ageing for a number of years, the content of the literature stresses that, white there is a similarity of experience within Europe, both in the socio-political and historical sense,
different member states are at different stages of awareness and development in this field, thus supporting the orientation towards scientific research which is largely represented through a range of ad hoc initiatives.

Surely whatever the results of these scientific researches, the end result will not be a promotion of solidarity.

The Trade Unions have a decisive role to play as far as solidarity between generations is concerned.

Following the experience acquired, in this sphere, and above all the necessity to maintain the links between the older and younger generation, as well as doing able - through the dynamism of solidarity to tackle successfully the many social and economic problems of our era, it is necessary for the Trade
Union movement locally or internationally to create the preconditions for solidarity between the generations to take place.

Actions specifically designed to be implemented to promote solidarity mechanism, should fully take into account a11 accumulated knowledge on the issue. Such a policy can be successful only if it is promoted within a spirit of co-operation, in which a11 social partners concerned are asked to put forward their views and policies.

Consultation and information mechanisms which are created on a permanent basis, in order to try to bridge the gap between the generations are essential.

In this respect - the Trade Unions, can be the crucial instruments and the mechanisms by which the two generations can come together.

Because the Trade Union platform, can be the critical forum by which, the two generations share common beliefs, common anxieties, common values and common dreams.

Under these conditions, a11 our efforts should be targeted at one specific direction. In the direction of formulating and establishing vital support mechanisms, for the establishment of solidarity mechanisms.

Mechanisms which will have at the heart of their existence the objective and goal to promote mutual understanding between the generations.

The whole philosophy behind these basic thoughts is to work together with the other generation, whether in the labour market, or in a social context to promote NOT one's interest, but one's MUTUAL interest.

Solidarity should not be aimed at tackling needs for a particular generation, but should be aimed at meeting needs for a11 generations.

This is why - whatever the policy is - involvement of a11 is needed. Active involvement by all generations in prescribing the policy for tomorrow.

These kinds of relationships, and these kind of questions are crucial. At the same time we must try and move away from the purely academic strategy adopted so far, into a more concrete and pragmatic approach.

For example older generation can provide younger generations with the solidarity aspect of transmitting "know - how" and experience. This knowledge has to be adaptable and versatile to the young generation, otherwise the solidarity issues would be jeopardised.

We as Trade Unions are involved in an extensive range of activities. One of our activities should be the promotion of solidarity between generations.

However the success of this, will depend on harnessing the support, and human resources of a11 generations.

We should encourage our unions to invest more in this aspect. We should help to develop, more specific programmes towards this direction, we should encourage a11 policies- whether governmental or not, towards this direction.

We should encourage research toward this direction, and finally we should aim at establishing permanent links towards the issue of solidarity between the generations.

Traditional solidarity models can no longer cope with the pace, scale and complexity of change.

Nonetheless we must acknowledge that it takes time to plan and deploy the necessary infrastructures.
 
 

Vasos Vasiliou
PEO
Cyprus
 
 
 

This however in no circumstances should be used as an excuse to setting aside
the issues of solidarity and diverse interest of the generations.
 

V.Vasiliou
PEO
Cyprus