(31 January 2012) The EC published in December 2011 a Communication A Quality Framework for Services of General Interest in Europe COM (2011) 900. This accompanies proposals on public procurement, concessions and State aid.
While the introduction recognizes the ‘fundamental role’ of public services (services of general interest – SGI) in terms of social cohesion, providing a safety net, supporting the knowledge economy, the Communication falls short on practical proposals to achieve this. (...)
(Press communication – 7 November 2011) The European Federation of Public Services Unions (EPSU), the Austrian Trade Union Federation (OGB) office in Brussels and the Austrian Federal Chamber of Labour (AK) organise a meeting to launch a major study that questions the objectives, motivation and rationale behind proposed changes to the current definition of public services and trade agreements.
In the current context of crisis and indebted local and regional governments, the CETA (...)
(3 November 2011) EPSU members from local, regional and national government met on 5 October to develop EPSU’s lobbying capacity and to draw on good practices.
Following reflection on EPSU work on the FTT (Financial Transactions Tax) and public procurement, the workshop noted that it is important not to be boxed into a technical ‘Eurocratic’ debate – both procurement and FTT can, and should, be presented and discussed in a political way at all levels. EPSU members also had an exchange with (...)
Media Advisory (27 October 2011)
The European Federation of Public Service Unions (EPSU), the Austrian trade union federation (OGB) office in Brussels and organisations of the Canadian civil society organise a press conference to present the study “Public services in bilateral free trade agreements of the EU” carried out by Professor Markus Krajewski, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg. The study examines the possible implications of proposed changes in the way public services are dealt with (...)
(24 October 2011) Based on current scenarios of the International Panel on Climate Change, average global temperature will likely rise with 2 degrees if we can achieve drastic CO2 cuts in 2100. Taking account of current scenarios and commitments made by large countries to reduce CO2 emissions global warming cannot be contained and temperatures might rise with 3-4% in 2100. This will have drastic consequences for bio-diversity, food production, water etc. and could trigger more human (...)
5 October 2011
ITUH - Room B – Blvd. Roi Albert II, 5 - 1210 Brussels
This is to invite you to the Joint LRG/NEA workshop on ‘Strengthening EPSU’s voice in the European Parliament’ in Brussels on 5 October 2011.
The meeting will take place at the International Trade Union House, Room B, Boulevard du Roi Albert II, 5 – 1210 Brussels. It will start at 9.00 and will end at 16.00 at the latest.
An area map is enclosed for information.
Interpretation has been requested in French and English (...)
At the final project meeting on 3 October in Brussels, participants concentrated on discussing the three draft briefings prepared by researchers, Christoph Hermann and David Tarren. Below are some of the main points:
• Revise introduction to highlight the fundamental differences between the public (democracy, transparency) and private sectors (profit-driven) – highlight reason for public sector to exist and emphasise that service users/patients cannot be treated the same as customers, while (...)
Third Regional Meeting – Bucharest, 6-7 September 2011
Representatives of EPSU affiliates from Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Macedonia, Romania, Slovakia and Turkey attended the meeting.
A report of the first meeting and background to the project can be read here while a report of the second meeting in Vilnius can be read here. The main presentations used in the three meetings can also be found on those two web pages.
Christoph Hermann from the FORBA research institute in Vienna gave (...)
Joint press release (Brussels 23 June 2011) On the occasion of World Public Services day, the European Federation of Public Service Unions (EPSU), the European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF), the European Trade Union Committee for Education (ETUCE), UNI Europa, the European Service Workers’ Union and the European Federation of Building and Woodworkers (EFBWW), endorse the Quality Public Services—Action Now! campaign launched by the Council of Global Unions today .
They warn European (...)
EPSU affiliates from the Nordic and Baltic regions met in Vilnius on 14-15 June in the second of three meetings that are part of a European Commission-funded project on productivity in the public services.
A report of the first meeting and background to the project can be read here.
Productivity – what it is and what it means for the public services
Christoph Hermann of the FORBA research organisation provided an introductory overview of the concept of productivity, how it is defined and (...)
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