(1 March 2010) ADEDY and the GSEE called for a General Strike on 24 February. ETUC General Secretary, John Monks, addressed the main rally in Athens where some 50.000 demonstrators expressed their anger with the draconian measures intended to be applied by the Greek government, under the pressure of Euro-Zone governments and the European Commission. ETUC and EPSU came out in a joint press release against these rigid austerity measures, ‘a shock therapy which can only kill recovery but not (...)

(19 January 2010) I hope that 2010 has started as well for you as it has for EPSU. We are very happy to announce that we have received welcome support from the Spanish Presidency. As you can see from the attached story (http://www.epsu.org/a/6090) the Presidency has agreed to formalise the social dialogue process in the National Administration sector.
The First Vice-President of Spain, María Teresa Fernández de la Vega has shown real vision in taking this decisive action. To establish, in a (...)

(22 October 2009, Brussels) The two main ‘pillars’ of EPSU work are the promotion of Public Services, and the development of Collective Bargaining coordination. This edition of the newsletter highlights two excellent campaigns by our affiliates which address these priorities in an innovative way.
Swedish affiliate SKTF has joined forces with its TCO colleges to launch a campaign explaining the value of collective agreements. The campaign combines a very clear TV spot with a website that (...)

(6 October 2009, Brussels) After the Yes vote in Ireland, the Lisbon Treaty looks to be finally about to come into force – save for some Czech maneuverings. The provisions in the Treaty explicitly call for legislative action to define public services around the principles of a high level of quality, safety and affordability, equal treatment and the promotion of universal access and of user rights. Our aim is make sure that these principles are given concrete legal personality, and that (...)

(24 September 2009) The summer period has been a busy one for EPSU. After our successful Congress, held here in Brussels, we have been outlining our work programme for the next 5 year term. We have also been getting to know the new European Parliament and see what areas they are likely to prioritize.
Our Irish affiliates, most notably CPSU lead by Blair Horan, and IMPACT, lead by Peter McCloone, have been campaigning hard for a YES vote on the Lison treaty. Their Charter Group initiative (...)

(3 June 2009, Brussels) Message from the EPSU General Secretary
Welcome to our Congress newsletter
This collection of articles is a guide to some of the debates and decision we will have over 4 days in Brussels from 8-11 June.
The people pictured in each article will be responsible for tabling the relevant resolution to congress. They have taken this responsibility as each of them has been fully invested in EPSU work over the last 5 years. I would like to thank them for all the time and (...)

(28 May 2009) The European Parliament elections are vital. And it is vital that as many as possible get out and vote. The higher the turnout - the higher the legitimacy of the most representative of the EU institutions. Why does this matter? The European Commission has, over the last 5 years, continued its slide towards a ’market first and market everywhere’ approach. The European Parliament can challenge this trend. But it can only do so if it has the support of European citizens. The best (...)

Carola Fischbach-Pyttel, EPSU General Secretary (24 March 2009) As you know, at EU level, EPSU is the recognised social partner in the hospital sector. April 2009 will be a seminal month for this sector on two fronts. EPSU is running two major campaigns: on working time) and on cross-border healthcare.
Our campaign ‘healthcare for all’ has reached a crucial point. Our focus is on the Environmental and Public Health Committee (ENVI) of the European Parliament. On 31 March the members of this (...)

Carola Fischbach-Pyttel EPSU General Secretary
(10 March 2009, Brussels) The last month has seen public services workers take action all over the continent. From Ireland to Sweden, from Iceland to Greece our members are showing their frustration with the worsening economic crisis. In particular, the demonstrations and industrial actions are a response to the often panicked measures of Governments, who are still trying to address the crisis from a neo-liberal perspective. At a European (...)

Carola Fischbach-Pyttel, General Secretary, European Federation of Public Service Unions (EPSU)
In June of 2009, the European Parliament elections will take place. Over 300 million voters from 27 Member States will have the opportunity to vote. They will elect over 700 Members of Parliament (MEPs). One of the main concerns for the European Federation of Public Service Unions (EPSU) is how will these 700+ MEPS consider public services in the European Union ? In this article I will explain (...)