(19 March) The broad based coalition to keep water in public hands and to oppose privatisation of water services organised a demonstration in front of the Commission’s Trade Department, 19 March 2007. DG trade was the target of the action as it negotiates on behalf of European governments on GATS. There is a risk that the Commission seeks to liberalise environmental, water and sanitation services through trade negotiations.

The group also argues that the European Commission should stop promoting public-private partnerships through its Aid and development policies. Instead the Commission should focus on promoting public public partnerships as the vast majority of the world’ water is provided by public companies. Speakers included the EPSU Deputy General Secretary and Adriana Marquiso of the Uruguay trade union that successfully organised a petition to make privatisation of water services constitutionally illegal. Other speakers came from Ghana, South Africa, Malaysia and Italy.

Commissioner Peter Mandelson and his staff saw fit not to make time to meet the representatives of workers and citizens. We interpret it as a sign that the Commissioner has more time for business and capital then for social justice. The group of 300 representatives from all over the world and with roots in unions and social movements from Canada to India and Bangladesh to Latin America shouted Our Water is not for Sale; and Water a Human Right. PSI’s David Boys participated, Logistical and organisation support for the demo was provided by EPSU’s Belgian affiliate CGSP, Corporate Europe Observatory organised the sandwiches.

Many of the participants participate in the World Water Assembly for Elected Representatives and civil society that takes place in the European Parliament, 18-20 March. David Boys (PSI), Adriana Marquiso (FFOSE) and Rosa Pavanelli (CGIL-FP) represented the trade unions on the different platforms of the world assembly. To read more on the work of the coalition: www.worldwaterday.eu

today news