Millions strike as governments cut spending but take no action against speculators

(10 March 2010) This week saw new twists and turns in the unfolding story of how neo-liberal politics have got back into full swing. It’s almost as if the financial and economic crisis hadn’t happened. Governments used public money to rescue banks but now seek to recoup that money from low and middle income earners, from thousands of public service workers providing essential services, from those who care for your children, the sick, the poor, the old, and the dying.
And the Barroso (...)

Joint press release HOSPEEM – EPSU on the agreement on the directive on prevention from sharp injuries

(Brussels, 9 March 2010) - The European Hospital and Healthcare Sector Social Partners - The European Federation of Public Service Unions (EPSU) and the European Hospital and Healthcare Employers’ Association (HOSPEEM) welcomed the decision of the Council which adopted the directive on prevention from sharp injuries in the hospital and healthcare sector today. The agreement between the European Social Partners in the hospital and healthcare sector signed on 17 July 2009 has become law. Now (...)

International women’s Day 8 March 2010: EPSU brings new evidence that care workers deserve a pay rise

(8 March 2010 - Press Release) EPSU wants to dedicate this year’s International Women’s day to the millions of underpaid care workers, most of whom are women and many of whom are migrants.
A report carried out for EPSU examines wage levels and gender gaps in the health and social care of 8 EU countries. In all the countries surveyed, workers earn below national average earnings. Earnings of unqualified or lower skilled workers are often at minimum or basic wage levels or not much higher; (...)

Public Services International solidarity appeal in support of Chilean affiliates

In the light of the recent earthquake and the following tsunami we express our solidarity with the people of Chile and appeal to all EPSU members to provide financial contributions to the PSI AID fund; please see attached PSI appeal for bank account details.

Smart grids, bargaining developments and global warming policies

(2 March 2010) The utilities sector is continuing to experience change and restructuring. The unions met to consider a number of these developments.
Some are related to new technologies such as smart meters and smart grids. The contributions of EPSU to the regulators were discussed. The experience of unions with smart meters is diverse. The position on the consultation of the regulators on smart grids will be further considered at the EPSU workshop on this issue 11 March.
Others are (...)