(24 September 2009) The summer period has been a busy one for EPSU. After our successful Congress, held here in Brussels, we have been outlining our work programme for the next 5 year term. We have also been getting to know the new European Parliament and see what areas they are likely to prioritize.
Our Irish affiliates, most notably CPSU lead by Blair Horan, and IMPACT, lead by Peter McCloone, have been campaigning hard for a YES vote on the Lison treaty. Their Charter Group initiative (www.thechartergroup.ie) has provided a platform for pro-European trade unionists to argue the case. We wish them well on their efforts. For EPSU the most pressing issue is, if the treaty is passed, how we ensure that the public service provisions are fully applied.
For EPSU, the most pressing aspect of the Lisbon Treaty, should it pass, is what it will mean for public services. Three provisions in the treaty: Article 14, the public service protocol, and the charter of fundamental rights, provide a definite path for further positive action on public services. This is something that we will be discussing further in our Executive Committee on 9-10 November.
In the meantime we have, though our contacts in the European Parliament had some success already. In his confirmation hearing before Parliament on 15 September, President Barroso was forced to concede that a ‘framework for public services’ was necessary. It is up to us, at European and through national contacts to make sure he is held to his word.
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