EPSU defence network statement "Trade union rights for a secure defence sector"

(December 2013) EPSU has established a network of public defence workers, including both civilians and soldiers, to defend their interests and promote a public defence service within its broader central government sector. In many countries the application of European social standards in public defence differs from the general rule that results in soldiers being denied or prevented from exercising their trade union rights.

As the European Council will discuss on 19-20 December 2013, the state of Europe’s defence industry as part of its wider agenda on the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP), EPSU warns against a market-based defence agenda that pays lip service to real defence needs and working conditions of defence workers and reiterates its call for the long overdue recognition that soldiers are citizens and workers in uniform that deserve trade union rights.

For the full statement: