(27 November, 2008) EPSU statement of support to Hungarian public service workers:

We would like to extend our full support for your demonstration on behalf of the over 200 member organizations represented in the European Federation of Public Service Unions.

We condemn the intentions of the Hungarian government to deprive Hungarian public service employees of their 13th salary for 2009, thus unilaterally interfering with acquired rights negotiated in collective agreements. We further condemn the government plans to reduce the public sector workforce, again without any attempt to consult and negotiate with the trade unions concerned.

It is unacceptable that public sector workers and their families should foot the bill for failed government policies resulting in the current financial crisis Hungary is facing.

We call on the Hungarian government to fulfill its contractual requirements.

Public sector workers cannot be made the balancing item of the budget.

We call on Prime Minister Gyurcsány: Stop this policy of systematic public service destruction, stop public sector lay offs!

With best wishes for a successful rally!

In solidarity,

Anne-Marie Perret, EPSU President

Carola Fischbach-Pyttel, EPSU General Secretary

letter to Prime Minister