(16 October 2008, Brussels) PSI and EPSU have now finalised discussions on the merger process based on a revised cooperation agreement. The two delegations, led by their respective Presidents, met on 12-13 September in Brussels. Hugh Lanning, from PCS UK, and member of the EPSU Constitutional Working Group, acted as facilitator.

This new cooperation agreement will underpin the intended merger between EPSU and PSI Europe in a single European Federation of Public Service Unions. The agreement describes the shared vision and common goals of PSI and EPSU as well as the areas and methods of cooperation.

The meeting reached agreement on issues related to recruitment and membership, finances and the managerial hand-over. A number of transitional arrangements are laid out in an appendix to the cooperation agreement. It was also agreed to establish a cooperation committee, comprising the Presidents and General Secretaries of the two organisations. The committee will oversee the implementation of the cooperation agreement, membership issues, including the development of a joint recruitment strategy. A disputes resolution mechanism was agreed, with procedures for conciliation and arbitration if required.

The cooperation agreement can be reviewed in 2012 before the next PSI Congress.

The meeting successfully concluded complex merger discussions lasting three years. The dialogue at the meeting was constructive and held in a spirit of mutual cooperation. Hugh Lanning’s excellent facilitation skills were appreciated by all the participants.

The revised cooperation agreement has been sent out in English to members of the PSI Steering Committee and PSI Executive Board members as well as the members of the EPSU Executive Committee on 10 October, the other language versions will follow shortly. The documents will be assessed and examined by the PSI and EPSU decision-making bodies in November, followed by a formal ratification through electronic and postal ballot of the PSI Executive Board until 19 December. Subsequent amendments to the EPSU Constitution will go to the next EPSU Congress of 8 – 11 June 2009.

Both PSI and EPSU General Secretaries are confident that the agreement will be broadly supported and thus provide a solid basis for a successful merger to the benefit of public sector trade unions in Europe and globally.