(3 June 2009, Brussels) Message from the EPSU General Secretary
Welcome to our Congress newsletter
This collection of articles is a guide to some of the debates and decision we will have over 4 days in Brussels from 8-11 June.
The people pictured in each article will be responsible for tabling the relevant resolution to congress. They have taken this responsibility as each of them has been fully invested in EPSU work over the last 5 years. I would like to thank them for all the time and energy that they have given to help make EPSU the strong trade union federation that it is today.
Of, course, the most important people at Congress is the delegates. There will be over 600 public service trade union leaders present to discuss, debate and vote, on how the European Union should refocus its efforts, to ensure quality public services throughout the EU. At a time of economic crisis it is essential that that the vital role of public services is addressed in a clear, progressive, forward-thinking way.
We hope for four days of robust and informed debate that will allow us to turn the decisions we take into dynamic action.
We also have some key note speakers who will a much valued perspective on European and national developments. Speakers include, Poul Nyrup Rasmussen (PES) speaking on the European Elections, Joelle Milquet (Vice-Prime Minister of Belgium), Andris Piebalgs (European Commissioner for Energy).
I look forward to seeing you all at congress and to your contribution in making next week a success for EPSU, and most importantly for public services across Europe.
Carola
Congress highlights:
Monday 8th June 15.30: European Citizens have voted – Election reactions
The President of the European Socialist Party, Poul Nyrup Rasmussen will address congress. He will give his initial reaction to the European Parliament election results. Dave Prentice (General Secretary of UK Trade Union, UNISON) will respond on behalf of congress).
Tuesday 9th June 09.30: Healthcare for all
Key Employer, Trade Union and EU institution actors will call on the EU health ministers (meeting 9-10 June) to change the EU directive on cross-border healthcare, so that it is based fundamentally on universal healthcare principles and not an extension of the EU Internal Market.
Tuesday 9th June 11.30: Responding to the Economic Crisis
The General Secretary of Irish Trade Union CPSU, Blair Horan, will introduce the congress emergency resolution; “The financial and economic crisis: consequences for the public sector and the economy at large”.
Tuesday 9th June 14.30: Address by Vice-Prime Minister of Belgium, Joelle Milquet
Wednesday 10th June (all day): Reclaiming Public Services
Congress participants vote on resolutions on Equal Pay, Strengthening Public Services, National Administrations, Local Government and Migration.
Thursday 11 June: Sustainable Public Services
The European Commissioner for Energy, Andris Piebalgs, will address congress. Sven Bergelin of German Trade Union Ver.di will respond on behalf of congress.
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