(31 January 2012) A short and concise contribution of Sarah Pearce of Unison argues that greenwork places are “a fundamental part of an international trade union strategy for a “just transition”, that seeks to ensure a shift towards a low carbon economy that is fair and equitable for all. Quite apart from issues of solidarity with fellow workers around the globe, climate change will affect us all and changes to working life are inevitable.” Work place representatives have a key role to play. (...)
(31 January 2012) A short and concise contribution of Sarah Pearce of Unison argues that greenwork places are “a fundamental part of an international trade union strategy for a “just transition”, that seeks to ensure a shift towards a low carbon economy that is fair and equitable for all. Quite apart from issues of solidarity with fellow workers around the globe, climate change will affect us all and changes to working life are inevitable.” Work place representatives have a key role to play. (...)
(26 January 2012) Referring to an idea of former EU Commission President Delors, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) adopted an opinion on the European Energy Community. This Community would make it easier for the EU to speak with one voice in external energy relations and also allow for joint purchasing of gas and other fuels. It would build on the internal market and strengthen it further with more inter-connections.
More ground breaking are the proposals to also have joint (...)
(25 January 2012) When the authorities of Northern Cyprus introduced plans to privatise the electricity company the union started an indefinite strike on 19 January 2012 Production stopped. The government forbade the strike and called for a cooling down period of 60 days. It also asked the police to intervene. The workers refused to work and police threatened violence. EPSU, ETUC, ITUC protested. EPSU also informed the European Parliament. After 6 days of struggle the union got an (...)
(24 January 2012) Just transition and decent jobs need to be integral part of the energy policies of the future of Europe. Without a social dimension and citizen participation there will be no acceptance of the necessary investment and difficult choices including in infrastructure. The EU and Member States have to underline that there is a positive outcome with decent jobs, high quality services and fair solutions also for future generations. Solutions for sectors that will be adversely (...)
(20 January 2012) We received the news that the government has forbid the strike and seeks a “cool-off period of 60 days” . The Turkish Electricity Authority of Cyprus Workers Trade Union (EL-SEN) and TEL-SEN Turkish Telecommunication Authority of Cyprus Workers Trade Union TEL-SEN part of Turk-Sen started a indefinite strike against the privatizations of these companies in North Cyprus. The government has stepped in and banned it for 60 days. The workers responded by accepting “not to (...)
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(20 January 2012) Workers in the North Cyprus electricity company KIB-TEK started strike action on 19 January 2012. The strike hits electricity production and effects several business activities. The union took the strike action when the conservative government send proposals for privatisation of the company to the Parliament. The union had been seeking to negotiate with the government over solutions but the government rejected discussion and alternatives. The government and (...)
(9 January 2012) Last November, Greek trade unionists of the union GENOP-DEI took action to defend Greek citizens against the measures imposed as part of the different austerity measures. They occupied the central offices of the Public Power Company (PPC). They demanded that a new rules to collect a tax through the electricity bill be cancelled. If the tax would not be paid, electricity workers would have to disconnect the citizen. The government and the company came down on these workers (...)
(19 December 2011) The Turkish Cypriot electricity union EL-SEN has been fighting the privatisation and unbundling of the Northern Cypriot electricity company Kib-Tec for several years now. Together with other unions it was behind one of the largest mobilizations the Northern part of the island had seen when [several ten thousands of people http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVaKQoQ5iF0] gathered at the main square to protest the government plans 2 March 2011. As in many other countries the (...)
(15 December 2011) The European Commission has published the energy roadmap 2050. Following the criticism of EPSU and others on an earlier leaked version and recognizing the inputs of both the electricity and gas social dialogue committees, the Energy roadmap recognizes the importance of a social dimension. The roadmap states: The social dimension of the energy roadmap is important. The transition will affect employment and jobs, requiring education and training and a more vigorous social (...)
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