EPSU’s Collective Bargaining Policies
An outline of current EPSU collective bargaining policy and proposals for future developments
Co-ordination
EPSU policies on collective bargaining are drawn up with a view that it is possible and valuable to co-ordinate policy in key areas. The aim of co-ordination is to establish some common and/or minimum standards in the public services across Europe. A coordinated strategy should ensure that collective agreements converge upwards and do not undermine each other.
This does not mean that EPSU policy will replace that of affiliated unions . As stated clearly in the policy statement at the 2000 General Assembly: “EPSU affiliated unions are autonomous in collective bargaining.”
Below are the main points, including some specific targets, that have been established by resolutions at the General Assembly in Lisbon in 2000, the 2004 Congress in Stockholm and by policy statements agreed by the Executive Committee. They are the core of the EPSU collective bargaining policies unions have agreed to implement and monitor.
Also outlined below are key policy areas that are currently being developed or where policy is due to be considered and formulated between now and the next EPSU Congress in 2009.
The main areas of collective bargaining policy:
Pay
Equal pay and equal treatment
Working time
Lifelong learning
Pensions
Currently developing policy on:
Low pay
Outsourcing
Next focus will be on:
Young workers
Migrant workers
Future areas will cover:
Older workers
Sustainable development and quality of jobs
Read the full report:
About us