The picture is the same in virtually all countries: the poorest members of society are hit hardest while those who caused the crisis are spared. With contributions by trade unionists and academics from a number of European countries, this book considers the effects of the economic crisis, presents statistics, and offers proposals for socially balanced policies in these trying times. Topics include old-age provision and active aging, improving working conditions in Central and Eastern European countries, strategies to enhance the quality of work in Europe, and perspectives on improving gender equality in the European Union.