(Brussels 10 March 2011) The European Public Service Union (EPSU) intervened on Proinsias De Rossa's EP own-initiative report ‘The future of social services’ in the Trade Union Intergroup Plenary Meeting held on 10 March 2011 in Strasbourg.
The input in to the debate comprised EPSU’s assessment of the draft report (as of 2 March 2011) and highlighted issues of key importance for both ETUC and EPSU as to the further development of the legal, policy and quality framework for SSGI at EU-level. The contribution was followed by a vivid debate on the appropriate principles and rules of Community Law for public services and an exchange on possible next steps and useful initiatives in the field of social services of general interest (SSGI) by the European Parliament following the report that expected to be voted on in the EP Plenary before the summer break.
EPSU reiterated its proposal of an EU action programme in the field of long-term/elderly care, underpinned with realistic targets in view of improving the quality of services and jobs to support the activities of local and regional authorities . EPSU recalled the importance and value of decent and stable working conditions and professional training when developing and implementing policies to ensure and to improve the quality, effectiveness and efficiency of SSGI. When implementing and further developing the European Voluntary Quality Framework (EVQF) for SSGI a clearer reference to the respect for worker's rights, a stronger emphasis on the improvement of employment and pay conditions in a sector strongly dominated by women and continued efforts to reduce the gender pay gap are needed.
EPSU's contribution built on a handout - “SSGI in the EU context – EPSU and ETUC reflections, proposals, requests” - coordinated with the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC). It summarises the recommendations and proposals EPSU and the ETUC are jointly advocating for.
Have a look in the speaking notes for EPSU's intervention at the Trade Union Intergroup (10 March 2011)
Read more in the handout “SSGI in the EU context – EPSU and ETUC reflections, proposals, requests” (4 March 2011)
See EPSU's key messages on SSGI (1 March 2011)
Read more in the EPSU background paper "SSGI in the EU context – EPSU reflections, requests and recommendations" (25 January 2011)
ETUC resolution "Towards a new impetus for public services" (June 2010)
See EP own-initiative draft report "Future of SSGI" (rapporteur: Proinsias De Rossa (IRL; S&D) (2 March 2011)
- Log in to post comments
