(5 March 2013) The EPSU utilities group had a comprehensive discussion on European Union energy policy. The internal market prevents that clear choices are made and is thus contributing to insecurity for companies which do not invest with closure of power plants causing social dramas in several countries with most recent example being EON that closes 5 (coal fired) power stations in France as well as a ultramodern and efficient gasfired power station in Germany.
The market for (...)
(14 November 2012) EPSU solidarity statement :
To Valeriy Vakhrushkin, President of the Public Association - "All-Russian Electric Trade Union
EPSU fully supports the demands of the All-Russian Electric Trade Union for improved wage and conditions in the Russian electricity industry. There has not been a real wage increase for several years and workers purchasing power has decreased. EPSU and the European union movement stand up for real wage increases for workers – with compensation for (...)
(1 October 2012) The pervasiveness of the EU austerity programmes was a theme that came back in many discussions of the EPSU utility unions, on 27 September. In water, waste, energy unions noted the lack of investment in forward looking and in progressive solutions that improve the quality of public services. Governments are reducing public spending in programmes that promote renewables, protect the environment or improve networks amongst others. An important driver for growth is (...)
European Commissioner for Climate Action, Connie Hedegaard addressed the EPSU Executive Committee on 24 April 2012. EPSU had invited the Commissioner to discuss the impact of climate change on public services following the EPSU study which explored the effects for a broad range of services. Public services play a key role in mitigation and especially in adaptation measures. The Commissioner is also responsible for adaptation. EPSU is concerned that the austerity crisis will affect the (...)
(28 March 2012) The 36th Standing Committee saw a television crew of ZDF joining the meeting. It was making a reportage on the European Citizens’ Initiative and had selected the EPSU Water Campaign as an example. Members of the Committee reported on the preparations, the alliances and obstacles with the initiative. A report was also presented on the work of the EPSU delegation on the presentation during the Alternative World Water Forum in Marseille 15 March. The Committee also received a (...)
(16 January 2012) Company developments, European energy policy and future prospects for the trade unions were considered in discussions of the EPSU Standing Committee Utilities Presidium on 12 January.
Sven Bergelin, the EPSU Utilities Committee President welcomed that the Commission has included the social dimension in its recent Energy Roadmap 2050. "This is a success for EPSU which has argued for years that addressing the social implications of European energy policy should be part and (...)
(17 October 2011) The confederal officer of ETUC, Judith Kirton-Darling, presented the work of the ETUC following the Athens Congress. For ETUC and affiliates there is a strong sense that measures need to be taken to prevent that the world moves beyond the scenario in which the global temperature increase will be more then 2 degrees in 2100 (currently we are in a scenario where temperatures increase by more then 4 degrees which will lead to more conflicts, loss of biodiversity and threats (...)