Public Service trade unions take aim against the directive Across the European Union, EPSU affiliate unions are mobilising against the despised Services Directive. The growing momentum is timed to give maximum visibility to the issue in advance of the crucial vote in the European Parliament (set to take place in Strasbourg on 16th February).

The trade union action will culminate with a demonstration in Strasbourg on 14 February.The number of national actions is illustrative of the level of frustration among public service workers with this Commission proposal. The Services Directive is seen as a direct attack on Quality standards in public services.

National campaigns have been launched by public service trade unions in Germany, Austria, Spain, France (FO, CGT), Belgium and the UK. In Berlin, Ver.di are organising a large scale demonstration on 11 February.

In the United Kingdom AMICUS have launched a large postcard campaign calling for the Directive to be dumped.

For UNISON’s established campaign against the Services Directive, please click here.

In Ireland, IMPACT trade union urged Irish MEPs to protect workers, consumers and public services - read more on www.impact.ie

Austrian affiliates GDG have started a petition and in Spain and Italy (CGIL, CISL and UIL) further mobilisation is planned.

Belgian affiliates CGSP are set to send hundreds of public service workers to Strasbourg to demonstrate.

In Turkey, KESK and HAK-IS organized a press statement to protest against the Services Directive with the slogan of "Services for the People". About 100 members of KESK and HAK-IS protested next to the Delegation of the European Union in Turkey.

EPSU General Secretary Carola Fischbach-Pyttel congratulated the national affiliates on these actions. She stated that it was essential that pressure is maintained in the crucial days leading up to the Plenary vote in Strasbourg.