Unions step up criticism of third liberalisation package

(Brussels, 4 June 2008) Trade unions are stepping up their contacts with decision-makers before the Energy Council of 6 June. Several unions have had serious discussions with the political leadership, ministers and so on. The Austrian unions including EPSU affiliates GPA and GdG organised a public meeting in front of the Austrian energy ministry. The Austrian energy minister stated he would keep to the Austrian way and the coalition of governments that block proposals of the Commission for ownership unbundling. Meanwhile the ETUC, Europe’s umbrella trade union organisation has sent a letter to the Commission and the Council stating its views and making clear the ETUC wants other priorities then the obsessive attention for the internal market. Security of supply, climate change and addressing high energy prices are the priorities.

For the ETUC letter in FR EN:

ETUC letter EN - 48.8 kb
ETUC letter EN
(PDF, 48.8 kb)
ETUC letter FR - 47.7 kb
ETUC letter FR
(PDF, 47.7 kb)







For the press communication on the Austrian actions DE

PR Austrian actions - DE - 13.7 kb
PR Austrian actions - DE
(PDF, 13.7 kb)







Presidents Christian Meidlinger (GdG) and Wolfgang Katzian (GPA) handing over petitions to Minister for Energy Barnstein
Presidents Christian Meidlinger (GdG) and Wolfgang Katzian (GPA) handing over petitions to Minister for Energy Barnstein

Presidents Christian Meidlinger (GdG) and Wolfgang Katzian (GPA) and workers
Presidents Christian Meidlinger (GdG) and Wolfgang Katzian (GPA) and workers

Workers demonstrating in front of the Austrian Energy Ministry
Workers demonstrating in front of the Austrian Energy Ministry

Workers demonstrating
Workers demonstrating

European Federation of Public Service Unions
Representing 217 unions - 8 million public service workers