(Brussels, 7 December) Over 100 representatives from public service trade unions from 25 European countries met in Brussels today to discuss the economic crisis and collective bargaining. Delegates debated the impact of pay cuts and pay freezes on their members across Europe and were informed about the proposals of the Czech government to cut public sector pay.

The meeting agreed to send a message of solidarity to their Czech colleagues who are taking strike action on 8th December.

The Czech unions are taking action not just in protest at the government’s proposed 10% but in the public sector pay bill, but also over its refusal to consult properly over the planned reforms to public services.

It is also not just about pay but about the level and quality of public services. The cuts threaten to undermine health, education, cultural and other vital public services.

The EPSU collective bargaining meeting sends its solidarity to public sector workers in the Czech Republic and to workers across the economy who will join the demonstrations called by the CMKOS trade union confederation in support of public services and public service workers.

EPSU calls on the Czech government to:

• withdraw its threats of pay cuts;

• return to a proper process of collective bargaining over public sector pay;

• re-establish social dialogue over changes to public services; and

• protect levels of funding for vital public services.